The Robert Russa Moton Museum was grateful to be part of this year’s Virginia Association of Museums (VAM) Annual Conference in Colonial Williamsburg, hosted by the nation’s largest state museum association and bringing together museum professionals from across the Commonwealth to connect, learn, and share ideas.
Guided by this year’s theme, “Little ‘r’ Revolutions: Museum Transformations for Everyone,” the experience encouraged reflection on the “small r” revolutions already shaping the field — from future planning and work cultures to ongoing efforts to make museum institutions more open, accessible, and available to everyone. As Virginia looks ahead to the 250th anniversary of the United States, the conference served as a reminder that small, intentional shifts can make a lasting impact in the communities museums serve.
During the conference, the Robert Russa Moton Museum was honored to be recognized by VAM with the 2026 Innovation Award for The Barbara Rose Johns Story, a groundbreaking interactive education platform that brings the story of Barbara Rose Johns and the Moton student strike to life for new generations of learners. Developed by the Robert Russa Moton Museum in partnership with Richard Wormser, the project is funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
Executive Director Cainan Townsend shared:
“We were absolutely honored to receive the 2026 VAM Innovation Award. This award highlights one of our newest educational resources, BarbaraJohnsStory.org, which utilizes documentary footage from Prince Edward County to help students engage with the history in an interesting and inquiry-based way. We are thankful to VAM for this recognition and are hopeful that it will help us expand the use of this website throughout the Commonwealth.”
This recognition reflects the museum’s continued commitment to developing educational tools that invite deeper engagement with the Moton story through documentary footage and inquiry-based learning — expanding how this history is accessed, taught, and understood.
The conference also created space for meaningful dialogue across the field. Executive Director Cainan Townsend served on the closing panel on practicing pluralism, moderated by Sarah Jenks, a leading voice helping museums understand their role as civics-based institutions. He contributed to a conversation on how museums can serve as spaces for learning, understanding, and civic engagement. It was a powerful way to close out the gathering.
At the same time, the museum celebrates continued leadership within its extended Moton family. Cameron Patterson, Senior Partner for Strategic Initiatives at the Robert Russa Moton Museum, currently serves as Vice President for Member Engagement and President-Elect for VAM. His dedication to strengthening Virginia’s museum community continues to make an impact and reflects the collaborative spirit highlighted throughout the conference.
Altogether, moments like these reinforce that museums grow stronger when they learn from one another and move forward together. The Robert Russa Moton Museum leaves Williamsburg inspired and ready to continue its work of education, engagement, and community connection.
We invite you to explore The Barbara Rose Johns Story and experience the platform firsthand: