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The museum’s lectures and concerts are free to museum members, $5 for non-members. Admission is at the door only. There are no advanced ticket sales. Reservations are not required. Seating is first-come, first served. Not yet a member? Join today and save! 

Discover Martha Ann Fields
Hear the uniquely American story of Martha Ann Fields, an enslaved cook, and one of Virginia’s unsung heroes. The celebrated award-winning Djelimusa (African storyteller) and Historical Interpreter, Valerie Davis, captures the physical, historical, and spiritual essence of this former enslaved woman from the Nutshell Plantation in Hanover County as she reveals this true story of love, longing, faith, betrayal, and courage. 

Meet a woman who took a chance on her future in 1863 when she gathered her children and crossed the Pamunkey River in the dead of night to reach Union lines and freedom. Find freedom alongside her as she details her self-liberation with her eight young children to Fort Monroe and learn how this fort played an integral part in establishing her new life as a free woman. Discover the impact her family had on Virginia politics and history in the years following their escape.  Marth Ann and her children lived through slavery, the Civil War, the Reconstruction era, and Jim Crow. Meet the character, Martha Ann Fields, during a Q&A after the program.

Valerie Davis
A gifted storyteller, playwright and producer, Valerie uses her talents to teach values and promote awareness or lesser known historical events and people. Of late, “From Tragedy to Triumph; The Martha Ann Fields Story” has been presented at over dozens of schools and churches in the Richmond, Virginia area. In addition, she uses her storytelling to teach morals through African folktales. Her work on numerous plays and independent films is extensive. Valerie has written and starred in several one woman shows focusing on domestic violence and historical women of courage. Giving a voice the likes of Martha Ann Fields, Coretta Scott King, and Nanny, the wife of Gabriel, who led the slave rebellion in Richmond in 1800. Valerie also holds workshops to teach the art of storytelling. Her work is dedicated to her Ancestors whose shoulders she stands.