Update 9:34am: Richmond Police confirmed that Martin, 71, was hit by a driver while in a crosswalk at the intersection of East Broad and North 10th streets on Saturday afternoon. He succumbed to his injuries on Sunday. Read more HERE.
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William “Bill” Martin, longtime director of The Valentine, has passed away. His death marks a profound loss for Richmond’s cultural and civic community.
For decades, Martin helped shape how Richmond understands and tells its own story. As director of The Valentine, he guided the museum through periods of growth and change, expanding its role as a place for honest, sometimes challenging conversations about the city’s past.
He was widely respected as a steady, thoughtful leader and a generous collaborator who believed history mattered most when it was accessible, inclusive, and rooted in the lived experience of the community.
Below is the full statement from The Valentine, shared without alteration:
Dear Valentine Friends,
It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Valentine Director Bill Martin.
Bill dedicated 32 years of his life to the Valentine and to preserving and sharing Richmond’s stories with integrity, care and deep respect for this community. Over more than three decades, his leadership helped shape the museum into the place it is today, and his impact will be felt for generations to come.
Our thoughts are with his friends and all those who had the privilege of working alongside him.
The Valentine’s Board of Trustees and leadership team are working closely together to ensure continuity of the museum’s operations and carry forward the mission that Bill cared so deeply about. We remain committed to serving our community and honoring the legacy that he leaves behind.
We are grateful for your ongoing support of the Valentine and will share additional information, including opportunities to honor Bill’s memory, when appropriate.
With gratitude and sympathy,
Meg Hughes
Acting Director
The Valentine
