RUI University Partnerships
The Virginia Museum of History & Culture - Partnership since 2019
The Virginia Museum of History & Culture is owned and operated by the Virginia Historical Society – a private, nonprofit organization. As the oldest cultural organization in Virginia, their mission is to connect people to America’s past through the unparalleled story of Virginia. By collecting, preserving, and interpreting the Commonwealth’s history, we link the past to the present and inspire future generations. Join the Education Staff at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture to explore history using items from our nearly nine-million-item collection.
The Mariners’ Museum and Park - Partnership since 2017
The mission of The Mariners’ Museum and Park is to connect people to the world’s waters because that is how we are connected to one another. Across our nation and the world, we see daily reminders of the forces at work pulling communities apart. During these times, we believe our Museum has a powerful narrative to tell about community and what binds us together. We strive to provide an intellectual and emotional experience that is shared by generations, across cultures, and without barriers or judgment. It’s not just about displaying artifacts, but having our visitors learn and feel something, while awakening and introducing them to their maritime roots. It is through exploration of our collection and engaging experiences that we connect people to the world’s waterways. A steward of one of the world’s most extensive maritime collections, The Mariners’ Museum and Park is committed to the preservation and conservation of more than 32,000 objects and several million library and archive materials. We provide access to the collection through exhibitions, loans, publications, educational programs, and online media. The Museum is proud to be accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and follows its standards of care to ensure the survival of the collection for generations yet to come.
Norfolk Tour Company - Partnership since 2019
The mission of The Mariners’ Museum and Park is to connect people to the world’s waters because that is how we are connected to one another. Across our nation and the world, we see daily reminders of the forces at work pulling communities apart. During these times, we believe our Museum has a powerful narrative to tell about community and what binds us together. We strive to provide an intellectual and emotional experience that is shared by generations, across cultures, and without barriers or judgment. It’s not just about displaying artifacts, but having our visitors learn and feel something, while awakening and introducing them to their maritime roots. It is through exploration of our collection and engaging experiences that we connect people to the world’s waterways. A steward of one of the world’s most extensive maritime collections, The Mariners’ Museum and Park is committed to the preservation and conservation of more than 32,000 objects and several million library and archive materials. We provide access to the collection through exhibitions, loans, publications, educational programs, and online media. The Museum is proud to be accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and follows its standards of care to ensure the survival of the collection for generations yet to come.
Patrick Henry’s Red Hill - Partnership since 2020
Patrick Henry’s Red Hill is a non-profit devoted to education and historic preservation of Patrick Henry’s final home and burial place. Established in 1944, the Foundation promotes educational and research programs about the life, character, times, philosophy, and legacy of Patrick Henry. As part of that mission, the Foundation maintains and interprets over 1,000 acres of Patrick’s original plantation land including his original law office and gravesite, as well as a reconstructed home, kitchen, cabin, and much more. Also on site is a museum to house what is now the largest collection of Patrick Henry-related artifacts in the country.
The American Civil War Museum - Partnership since 2019
The American Civil War Museum is a multi-site museum in the Greater Richmond Region of central Virginia, dedicated to the history of the American Civil War. The museum has three locations, Historic Tredegar, White House of Confederacy, and the Appomattox. The mission of The American Civil War Museum is to be the preeminent center for the exploration of the American Civil War and its legacies, including topics such as Union and Confederate, enslaved and free African Americans, soldiers, and civilians.
The Virginia War Memorial - Partnership since 2020
The Virginia War Memorial is the Commonwealth of Virginia’s premier monument, museum, and educational center honoring the memory of all Virginians who demonstrated a willingness to serve and fight to defend the United States from World War II through today. Through educational outreach, exhibits, documentary films, and patriotic programming, we strive to educate students of all ages and backgrounds on the experiences of those who served and their families on the home front
Ferry Plantation Circa 1830 - Partnership since 2021
On property originally owned by the Walke family, Ferry Plantation has housed everything from a courthouse, post office, ferry service, a school, a tavern and of course a full working plantation. Our residents have a plethora of historical significance, including the granddaughter of Pocahontas, who is also first cousins with Thomas Jefferson. A naval commander, an oyster tycoon, and a family of importers have lived on or owned our property. It is currently a volunteer-run history museum that hopes to open for our 2021 season in March.
National Sporting Library - Partnership 2021
The National Sporting Library & Museum was founded in 1954 as a Library when four sportsmen pooled their collections of sporting books: George L. Ohrstrom, Sr., Alexander Mackay-Smith, Lester Karow, and Fletcher Harper. As the Library grew in prestige, sporting fine art was donated and necessitated the development of the Museum. In 2011 the Museum was opened and since then the collection has grown to over 1,300 objects, paintings, sculptures, works on paper, and more. Today the National Sporting Library & Museum in Middleburg, Virginia is dedicated to preserving, promoting, and sharing the art, literature, and culture of equestrian, angling, and field sports.
Feet to the Fire Writers’ Workshops - Partnership since 2020
Feet to the Fire Writers’ Workshops® is a licensed program designed for use in senior/assisted-living communities and wellness organizations. Created to complement aging adults’ personal activity schedules, this expressive writing program provides an opportunity for lifelong learning and excellent emotional wellness experiences.
Mill Mountain Zoo - Partnership since 2020
Mill Mountain Zoo is located within Mill Mountain Park, a beautiful 568-acre regional park which is maintained by Roanoke Parks and Recreation. Located at the top of Mill Mountain just off the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, the zoo overlooks the city of Roanoke and the surrounding mountain vistas The zoo was founded in 1952 and is a 501(c)(3) non-profit operated by the Blue Ridge Zoological Society. Our mission at the Mill Mountain Zoo is to promote an appreciation and understanding of wildlife and habitat preservation through the use of quality exhibits and educational programs, and to work in cooperation with other animal conservation programs. Our facility advances three core beliefs: excellence in the implementation of the highest standards of animal care, conservation management of endangered species, and fostering science education through its animal collection. While a recreational attraction, the zoo strives to provide an enjoyable experience for visitors, within the context of an educational organization dedicated to the natural sciences and management of captive animal species.
Lee-Fendall House Museum & Gardens - Partnership since 2021
The Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden interprets American history through the experiences of those who lived and worked on the property from 1785 to 1969. As an educational center, the museum preserves its historic resources to promote community engagement about the relevance of the past to our present.
Nauticus - Partnership since 2021
Nauticus is a city museum founded in 1994 alongside the Nauticus Foundation, a nonprofit, 501(c)3 organization established to support the mission and activities of Nauticus. Nauticus exists to benefit our community through education, impactful experiences, and by sharing access to maritime resources. We aim to become the leading maritime and science discovery center in the region. Our campus includes a museum, the USS Wisconsin, Sail Nauticus Community Sailing Center and Sailing Academy, the Schooner Virginia, and an international cruise ship terminal. We are all connected by our maritime community and educational focus centered around the principles of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math(STEM); preservation and maintenance of the Battleship Wisconsin; and the development of the Sail Nauticus Community Sailing Center and Sailing Academy.
Center in the Square - Partnership since 2020
Center in the Square is thrilled to be turning 37 this December, and is honored to have grown to offer free rent and housing related services to ten other non-profit organizations in Roanoke. By reducing the financial stress of these vibrant organizations, their funding can be used to create new exhibits, performances, programs, and more for our region. They are gifted a value of over $4.2 million annually; if they had to bear the burden of these financial costs, they would not be able to exist as we know them today. In order for Center in the Square to have the funds necessary to provide this financial foundation to its beneficiary non-profits, it owns and operates the Kids Square (Children’s Museum), the Roanoke Pinball Museum, and the Roanoke STARCADE. It also operates the Get Schooled! Field Trip Program, which has recently morphed into a new, virtual field trip series! Center in the Square has also partnered with Roanoke County Parks, Recreation and Tourism to develop and implement the holiday light show, Illuminights at Explore Park. All of the revenue earned from Center in the Square’s museums, programs, and events, is used to sustain the foundation for all of the other non-profits housed within its buildings.
Maymont - Partnership since 2021
Maymont is a 100-acre historic estate and park, located in Richmond, Virginia, with many unique experiences for all to enjoy. Stroll through the gardens and arboretum, see native wildlife habitats, feed friendly goats, explore The Robins Nature Center and marvel at the historic Maymont Mansion and outbuildings. Since 1975, Maymont has been maintained and operated by the nonprofit Maymont Foundation which must raise more than $3.5 million each year through private donations, memberships, events, and programs to keep the attraction open to everyone.
Mill Mountain Theater - Partnership since 2019
As a professional, year-round, regional theatre with roots in its community and excellence as its primary objective, Mill Mountain Theatre has proudly served the region and the industry for more than 50 years. Mill Mountain Theatre strives to inspire, entertain, enrich, educate and challenge audiences of Southwest Virginia through high-quality, professional theatrical productions and experiences. We are dedicated to nurturing the next generation of theatre artists and audiences through conservatory classes and programming aimed at education and community engagement; and are committed to ensuring the long-term economic and artistic sustainability of the performing arts in the Roanoke Valley and Southwest Virginia.
Legacy Healthcare Services - Partnership since 2017
Established in 1999, Legacy Healthcare Services is a therapist-driven provider of physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and wellness services. Legacy provides these services across the nation within independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing facilities, and CCRCs. Legacy prides itself on excellence through clinical programming to ensure all residents have the highest quality of life.
Science Museum of Western Virginia - Partnership since 2020
Since its establishment in 1970, the Science Museum of Western Virginia has dedicated itself to inspiring a curiosity in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math), and highlighting the intersection between art and science. The museum focuses on exploration of science through play, with interactive exhibits in a variety of fascinating subjects and outreach programs within schools and public venues. While the museum has evolved dramatically over the past 50 years, our mission remains the same: to make science and technology accessible to all by being an outstanding regional institution that ignites and nurtures life-long learning.
Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown - Partnership since 2021
Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, living-history museums of 17th and 18th century Virginia, tell the stories of America’s beginnings through innovative indoor galleries and outdoor living history. Discover the past through virtual and in-person experiences and education programs. The Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation is an educational agency of the Commonwealth of Virginia, accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. Learn more at jyfmuseums.org or call (757) 253-4838
The Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum - Partnership since 2021
The Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum is located in beautiful Claude Moore Park in Sterling, Virginia. The Museum brings to life the rich agricultural heritage of Loudoun County through hands-on activities, exhibits, festivals, and presentations by historians. The Museum is currently open by appointment on certain weekdays and for walk-ins on Saturdays. As businesses reopen from the pandemic shutdown, the Museum will return to more regular hours.