Bryan has wing named in his honor
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The four-story wing contains a number of exhibits, including the Reynolds Business History Center and a 3,000-square-foot permanent exhibit called ?Virginians at Work.? In addition to the exhibits, the wing also houses a 500-seat auditorium, a classroom, offices and storage space.
Born and raised in McMinnville, Bryan is a distinguished military graduate of Virginia Military Institute. He holds a master?s degree in history from the University of Georgia and a Ph.D. in history from the University of Tennessee. He served two years active duty as an officer in the U.S. Army.
Dr. Bryan was awarded a one-year post-doctoral fellowship in historical editing to study with the Andrew Jackson Papers, a University of Tennessee project located at the Hermitage in Nashville. He was then asked to remain as assistant editor of the project and edited Jackson?s correspondence during the War of 1812, which appeared as part of the Volume 2 of the ?Papers of Andrew Jackson.?
Since 1988, Dr. Bryan has served as president and CEO of the Virginia Historical Society. Founded as a private institution in 1831, the society has developed large and rich collections of books, manuscripts, photographs, artwork, and museum objects that support the study and interpretation of Virginia?s history.
A dinner party honoring donors to the Virginia Historical Society?s 175th Anniversary Campaign became a special occasion in the history of the institution. In his concluding remarks for the evening, chairman of the board E. Claiborne Robins Jr. announced a decision made the Board of Trustees. The new wing ? a $16 million endeavor that is pare of the larger campaign ? was dedicated and named in of Bryan. Mr. Robins unveiled a large sign to reveal this closely-guarded secret. The sign read: Charles F. Bryan, Jr. This wing is named in honor of his vision and leadership on the occasion of the dedication, July 19, 2006.
Dr. Bryan and his wife, Cammy, took the stage amidst thundering from the standing crowd of donors and past and present trustees. Bryan remarked, ?Next to the day I married this beautiful woman, this is the most remarkable thing that has happened to me.?
He quickly used the moment to recognize his staff at the VHS, stating, ?If I am good at anything, it is hiring and surrounding myself with the right people and getting out of their way. I couldn?t do it without such a strong and supportive staff.?
The announcement came at the end of the special dinner, featuring guest speaker Roger Mudd. the Emmy award-winning journalist and broadcaster is trustee emeritus at the VHS.
During his remarks, he praised the VHS, Headquartered on Richmond?s Boulevard Avenue, for becoming such an important part of the community. ?With the society?s education and outreach department, museum exhibitions, collections, and library, our corner of the Boulevard is unparalleled.? the campaign continues with $4.1 million remaining to raise by the end of the year.