First Freedom Center facts for kids
| First Freedom Center | |
| Established | 2015 |
|---|---|
| Location | Richmond, Virginia |
| Type | History museum |
The First Freedom Center is a special organization in Richmond, Virginia. It's a non-profit, which means it doesn't aim to make money. Its main goal is to teach people about freedom of religion and conscience. This idea comes from a very important law called the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom.
The Center is located in the Shockoe Slip area of downtown Richmond. This spot is special because it's where Jefferson's religious freedom law was passed. The Virginia General Assembly made it a law on January 16, 1786. James Madison strongly supported this law. It was the first law in the new United States that gave complete religious freedom. This law also became a model for the parts of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution that deal with religion. The First Amendment was approved five years later, in 1791.
Contents
What is the First Freedom Center?
The First Freedom Center helps people understand the history of religious freedom in America. It shows how important it is for everyone to have the right to believe (or not believe) what they choose. This freedom is a key part of what makes the United States unique.
How the Center Started
A group called the Council for America’s First Freedom formed in Richmond in 1984. They wanted to get ready for the 200th anniversary of the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom. This anniversary was in 1986. The Council later registered the name "First Freedom Center" in 2003.
For many years, the Council focused on educational activities and giving out awards. But they also wanted to create a physical museum. In 2004, they announced plans to start building in 2005. The goal was to open the doors by 2007.
After some delays, the First Freedom Center finally opened in January 2015. The opening event included important people like Governor Terry McAuliffe and Richmond Mayor Dwight Jones. A few months later, in July 2015, The Valentine museum took over the First Freedom Center.
First Freedom Awards
The First Freedom Center celebrates National Religious Freedom Day each year. On this day, they give out special awards called the First Freedom Awards. There are three awards given out every year:
- A Virginia First Freedom Award for someone from Virginia.
- A national award for someone from the United States.
- An international award for someone from another country.
These awards honor people who have done great things to support religious freedom.
Who Has Received the Award?
Many well-known people have received the First Freedom Award. Some past winners include:
- Madeleine Albright (a former U.S. Secretary of State)
- Tony Blair (a former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom)
- Richard C. Holbrooke (a diplomat)
- Chet Edwards (a former U.S. Congressman)
- Bill and Judith Moyers (journalists)
Exploring the Center
The First Freedom Center is connected to the Courtyard and Residence Inns by Marriott hotels. It has a large exhibit space, about 2,200 square feet. The exhibits explore America's journey with religious liberty. They cover everything from its beginnings in Europe to how it is understood today.
Inside the museum, you can see statues of Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. There are also many exhibits and displays. These displays show how America's idea of religious freedom developed. They celebrate this important part of American history, from the 1600s to the present day.
One special wall in the museum features changing exhibits. These exhibits highlight current events related to religious freedom around the world. Outside the building, there is a tall, 27-foot spire. There is also a wall with a paragraph from the 1786 Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom etched into it. This statute helped create the religious freedom we have in the Bill of Rights today.
