Every day, VPM is committed to connecting with and engaging Virginians. Throughout 2025, VPM went into our communities to host events, connect with neighbors, participate in panel discussions, provide educational resources to parents and caregivers and much more. This level of involvement helps VPM create robust and diverse content that reflects the communities we serve.
Below are just a few highlights of VPM’s community engagement activities throughout 2025.
February
On Feb. 13, a sold-out crowd welcomed NPR’s popular show Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me! to the Altria Theater for a live event hosted by VPM. Check out a slide show of photos for a special look inside the event! You can listen to the full episode recorded in Richmond here.
March
The Altria Theater was filled with history buffs on the evening of Sunday, Mar. 23 as VPM became the first station in the nation to host a public screening for renowned documentarian Ken Burns’ new documentary The American Revolution. Check out a slide show of photos for a special look inside the event! Over 3,400 people attended the preview screening of The American Revolution hosted by VPM at the Altria Theater, where attendees were treated to a 40-minute special program with clips of the six-part, 12-hour series, which premiered on VPM PBS in November.
On Mar. 6, a Spanish class from Turner Ashby H.S. in Rockingham County visited VPM’s headquarters at 23 Sesame St. to learn more about what VPM does, how it operates and how it serves communities in Central Virginia. The class, taught by Ms. Abby Huffman, consists of students that both speak Spanish as a first language while the other half is learning Spanish. The students also got to connect with VPM multimedia reporter Keyris Manzanares and learn about her career.
April
VPM hosted an event with the Public Relations Society of America’s Richmond Chapter called ‘Speed Dating with a Journalist’ that gave PR professionals from the Richmond area a chance to meet with and learn from members of the Richmond media. On Apr. 9 at VPM’s Sesame St. studios, attendees had the opportunity to pitch their stories in short, timed intervals to journalists or just ask questions, receiving feedback to refine their approach to media relations.
Over at the site of VPM’s future headquarters, Clark Construction Group hosted ‘Take Your Child to Work Day.’ The Apr. 24 event gave children the opportunity to spend the day with their parents that are helping to build VPM’s new building. The kids learned about concrete, took a tour of the jobsite and got to record messages that will be played on VPM’s radio airwaves.
May
More than 400 people joined VPM at The Byrd Theater on May 3 to be a part of the premiere for Chasing Cambodia, a new documentary film that explores one cyclist’s journey to finding the balance between his Cambodian heritage and his American upbringing.
June
On Juneteenth, VPM’s Finding Edna Lewis and show host Deb Freeman were featured in a segment on NBC’s TODAY Show about Lewis and her many contributions to the American culinary landscape that are still on display today.
July
On July 14, Delegate Betsy Carr graciously presented VPM with a resolution from the Virginia House of Delegates commemorating VPM’s 60 years of service to the community.
Also in July, the VPM Early Childhood Care and Education team, through a partnership with the Blue Ridge Health District and the Anne & Gene Worrell Foundation, delivered posters, handouts, booklets and other early learning resources to five Charlottesville area WIC offices.
August
On Aug. 15, Style Weekly hosted its annual Best Fest at The Branch Museum of Design bringing together Richmonders, local artists, restaurants and businesses for a celebration of the city’s favorite things. Check out a slide show of photos from Style Weekly’s award-winning photographer Scott Elmquist for a special look inside the event!
September
Nearly 150 community members packed The Sipe Center in Bridgewater on Sept. 18 for an event to celebrate the launch of season three of VPM and Deep Structure’s Life in the Heart Land (LITHL) series! Attendees participated in a cutting board-making activity, caught a premiere screening of LITHL‘s third season before listening to panel discussions with rural neighbors featured in the series. There was also a local musical performance, and the producers from Deep Structure shared insights from their experiences working on the series. Check out this article with a slideshow of photos for an inside look at the event.
October
VPM’s new documentary Shenandoah premiered in front of a sold-out crowd at the Virginia Film Festival on Sunday, Oct. 26 at the Culbreth Theater in Charlottesville. In addition to the screening, the audience listened to a panel discussion on the film moderated by VPM Chief Content Officer Steve Humble. You can learn more about Shenandoah and VPM’s producing partner on the film, Orange Frame Productions, in this article.
November
On Nov. 21, VPM production manager Matthew Wood attended ‘Career Day’ at Robious Middle School where he talked with students about what it’s like to work at VPM!
VPM continues to strive toward connecting with the members of our community to create a more informed and empathetic Commonwealth. If you have any questions about VPM’s work in the community, please contact Mary Arritt, VPM’s Community Engagement Manager.
You can also learn more about VPM’s impact in our communities by visiting the VPM Impact Page.
