WHEREAS, for 30 years, William J. Martin, museum director at The Valentine in Richmond, has guided the institution through many evolutions to its current state as an invaluable community resource dedicated to collecting, preserving, and interpreting the diverse stories of the Richmond region; and

WHEREAS, over his tenure, William "Bill" J. Martin has worked tirelessly to expand and evolve the museum's exhibitions, collections, and programs to reflect the changing needs of the community; and

WHEREAS, Bill Martin led the reimagining of the Edward V. Valentine Sculpture Studio, which, after four years of community engagement and feedback beginning in 2020, now houses a groundbreaking exhibition that explores the Lost Cause mythology and the artistic works of Edward Valentine, the museum's first president; and

WHEREAS, most recently, Bill Martin oversaw a large expansion and renovation at The Valentine that includes new storage spaces to allow for the proper preservation of and increased access to collection materials for generations to come; and

WHEREAS, Bill Martin continues to have a deep impact on the community, serving on committees and as a board member for a number of Richmond organizations; and

WHEREAS, Bill Martin regularly leads tours of the city, both informally and as part of Richmond Region Tourism's I Am Tourism ambassador program, sharing the history of Richmond and telling stories of lesser-known neighborhoods and individuals; and

WHEREAS, Bill Martin's encyclopedic knowledge of the Richmond region's history and his passion for sharing that knowledge continues to inspire and engage longtime residents, newcomers, and visitors alike; and

WHEREAS, Bill Martin's dedication to collaboration and to building new partnerships with other community and cultural organizations has continued to enhance not only The Valentine but also the rest of the Richmond region by welcoming diverse perspectives in every conversation; and

WHEREAS, as a visionary leader, Bill Martin continues to seek truth and does not shy away from asking difficult questions about Richmond's history, empowering others to use the past to inform the present and to shape the future; and

WHEREAS, Bill Martin's efforts to keep The Valentine relevant, to tell Richmond stories as they happen, and to encourage community conversations in support of The Valentine's vision have led the organization to be recognized as the premier source for experiencing Richmond's history; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That William J. Martin hereby be commended on the occasion of his 30th anniversary as museum director at The Valentine; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to William J. Martin as an expression of the House of Delegates' admiration for his contributions to the Richmond community and the Commonwealth.