Come and step back in time at Richmond’s own 18th century James River Plantation house. Situated on a bluff overlooking the James River, Wilton is an impressive example of Colonial American architecture and is a superb essay in Georgian design. Built circa 1753 for William Randolph III, Wilton was the centerpiece of a 2,000 acre tobacco plantation and home to the Randolph family for more than a century. It was here that they entertained George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and the Marquis de Lafayette.

Due to the industrialization of the surrounding area, Wilton was purchased and carefully moved to its current site by the Virginia Society of The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America in 1933. Opened to the public in 1952, Wilton today plays host to an exquisite collection of 18th- and 19th- centuries furnishings, textiles, glass, ceramics, and silver that reflect the “planter” lifestyle of the mid-18th century.

BRING THE FAMILY.
Looking for a fun fall learning experience? Check our Youth and Family Programs, guaranteed fun learning for the kids! Browse our School Programs.

WHAT'S NEW AT WILTON HOUSE MUSEUM?
Keep up-to-date with our Current and Upcoming Exhibits. We also have two original portraits in our collection, one by Charles Bird King, and the other by John Wollaston. These images chronicle the 18th century use of portraiture as a means of self promotion. To view or search our museum collection click here.

SOCIETY MISSION
The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America in the Commonwealth of Virginia actively promotes our national heritage through statewide historic preservation, patriotic service and educational projects especially at Wilton House Museum.

WILTON HOUSE MUSEUM MISSION
To increase public understanding of life in Virginia since the 18th century, the paradox of hardship amid elegance, and how the past continues to shape life in America today.

CORE VALUES

• We are committed to the preservation and restoration of our tangible heritage.
• We are dedicated to educating the American public-- especially our youth-- about our nation’s early history and its relevance to today.
• We continually reinterpret our collections to explore relevant cultural issues.
• We value the study and teaching of history and how it affects the present and the future.
• We strive to stimulate a spirit of true patriotism and love of country.
• We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of professional and ethical museum practices and historical scholarship.
• We are dedicated to the highest level of conduct in our relationships with each other and in our management of the Society.
• We strive to be an educational and cultural resource for the citizens of the Commonwealth of Virginia and beyond.

DISTINCTIVE ATTRIBUTES
What we have - A proud tradition of service to the citizens of the Commonwealth of Virginia since 1892, as well as a remarkable historic house and collection of objects, memorials, markers and genealogical records.

What we do with it - Wilton House Museum, its collection and our genealogical records are the tools we use to fulfill our mission. With these tools, we serve our members and the community with educational programs and activities. It is our obligation to ensure the security, preservation, conservation, and appropriate interpretation of these tools.

How we do it – We, the members, gain inspiration and knowledge through offering the public opportunities to learn about history in an accurate, balanced and honest manner, and to be inspired by our common heritage. We are the stewards of an organization with a record of longevity and stability, and we are compelled to protect its dignity, credibility and vitality.

Adopted by the Board of Managers, March 9, 2006

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