By Sian Wilkerson

A new microcredential digital badge centered on Richmond's living history will encourage Virginia Commonwealth University students to explore their own backyard and gain a new perspective.

The College of Humanities and Sciences recently launched the Richmond History Foundational Badge in collaboration with the Valentine, the museum that has preserved and interpreted Richmond's history since 1898. The badge recognizes students who engage thoughtfully with the city's past by participating in approved Valentine programs.

"The badge recognizes key skills including civic engagement, critical thinking, communication and cultural awareness," said Joshua J. Smith, Ph.D., an assistant professor and special assistant for innovative learning and AI in the Richard T. Robertson School of Communication. "These are all attributes that prepare students for leadership across sectors such as public history, education, communication and policy."

To earn the badge, students must participate in one of several select programs at the Valentine. Among them: taking a public historical walking tour or a guided tour of the Wickham House, an early 19th-century home on the museum's property, or attending an event in the Valentine's Controversy/History series, which delves into the history behind contemporary issues such as public transit and the city's infrastructure.

Events are free for VCU students, who may register with the promo code VCUBADGE or by emailing [email protected].

"Richmond has such a complex and fascinating history, and the Valentine is a great place to begin discovering those stories," said Sophia McCrimmon, manager of the museum's adult programs and tours.

The goal, she continued, is to "connect students with the history that is all around them, engage their curiosity and help build a foundation of local history knowledge. We are living with the legacy of Richmond's history every day, and hopefully - as students connect with that shared past - they can become even more thoughtful and engaged Richmonders."