What’s Booming RVA: History and Culture Live
Boomer’s top picks for the week ahead
Kick off 2026 with “History That Doesn’t Suck” covering the nation’s first 100 years, plus the American Revolution, and the Civil War – and the culture of Israel and Mexico. In Boomer’s top five picks – What’s Booming RVA: History and Culture Live.
“Opium Slavery: Civil War Veterans and America’s First Opioid Crisis”
Dr. Jonathan Jones shares stories from his new book. During the Civil War, the utility and widespread availability of opium and morphine made opiates essential to wartime medicine. After the war ended, thousands of ailing soldiers became addicted, or “enslaved,” as 19th-century Americans put it.
Jan. 8, 7 p.m., at Pamplin Historical Park & The National Museum of the Civil War Soldier, Petersburg.
Historically Speaking: January 1776 with Jon Kukla
The historian and author of “Patrick Henry: Champion of Liberty” highlights events occurring during the first weeks of 1776 that shocked and inflamed Virginia patriots to direct their representatives to declare “the United Colonies free and independent States, absolved from all allegiance to, or dependence upon, the Crown or Parliament of Great Britain.”
Jan. 8, 7 to 8 p.m., at Tuckahoe Library, Henrico.
Israeli International Film Festival
A diverse lineup of films with discussions, plus a VIP opening night, fostering an understanding of Israeli and Jewish culture and access to Israel’s young but thriving film industry.
Jan. 8 to 25, at Weinstein JCC, Virginia Museum of History & Culture, and the Virginia Holocaust Museum, Richmond.
History That Doesn’t Suck – Live!
Professor Greg Jackson presents history told through true, accurate, and entertaining stories covering the first 100 years of American history in 100 minutes.
Jan. 11, 8 p.m., at The Broadberry, Richmond.
“Legend of the Poinsettia”
Latin Ballet of Virginia presents its annual production of the legendary Mexican tale of a pure-hearted young girl who discovers the true spirit of giving.
Jan. 9 to 11 at Perkinson Center, Chester.
Check websites for more details, including prices and registration requirements.
More of What’s Booming in Richmond besides a Winter Wander
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