The story of America is the story of the struggle to expand human freedom.

Exhibit titled 'Articles of Peace' featuring information about King Charles II, Queen of Pomunckey, and Queen of Wayoonaoke, with a man viewing the display inside a museum or gallery.

Expanding Freedom, the Shockoe Institute’s exhibit, immerses you in the history of America's struggle to expand human freedom. Through seven distinct sections, you will learn about the origins and growth of racial slavery in America. You will reflect on Richmond’s rise as an epicenter in the national trade of enslaved people and how racial slavery touched virtually every aspect of American life before the Civil War. At the conclusion of the exhibit, you will have an opportunity to act on what you’ve learned and consider how to put this history to work to improve our civic life.

Expanding Freedom

A woman wearing large black headphones and a black blazer interacts with a touchscreen display showing a document titled 'Secession of Mississippi' at an exhibit called The Lab, which features informational text about learning, reflection, and civic life.

Visitors will continue their learning journey in the Institute’s Lab using interactive tools and other resources. The Lab will also provide visitors the opportunity to reflect on what they’ve learned in the exhibit through informal discussion and interaction; to participate in curated experiences led by Institute staff, and to take part in programs and performances unique to the Shockoe Institute.

The Lab

Screenshot of the Shockoe Institute's online library webpage featuring historical documents and articles on topics like Virginia's history, emancipation, and racial issues.

Explore our Library, an interactive digital storytelling experience from Shockoe Institute, accessible from anywhere in the world. Our library features research, narratives, visuals, and educational resources to put history to work.

Our Library

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Planning Your Visit

Expanding Freedom, a Shockoe Institute exhibit, is located at

1500 E Main St, 1st Floor, Richmond, VA 23219

Entrance

Our front door is located at the back of Main Street Station. It is most accessible via E Franklin Street or E Grace Street.

Use this pin in Google Maps to navigate to the correct side of the station.

Satellite view of a city block showing a street, parking lots, a train station, and an exhibit titled 'Expanding Freedom, A Shockoe Institute exhibit' near rail tracks.

Public Transportation

Main Street Station is accessible by public transportation. Guests can arrive via Amtrak at Main Street Station, and the venue is served by GRTC Pulse (BRT) and several local bus routes, including 1A, 1B, 1C, and 14.

If you’re using rideshare or transit, plan to be dropped off near the first floor north-side entrance of the trainshed and allow extra time for check-in.

Parking

There are three well-lit automated parking lots at the station, in two locations. We recommend you park in Lot A, as it is closest to our front entrance. Parking is free for the first hour, $1 an hour after that, and $6 max per day, depending on the lot. There is also plenty of street parking available around the station.

Map of a transportation area showing parking areas, main streets, and the main train station. Highlights include I-95 highway, East Franklin Street, East Main Street, South 15th Street, South 17th Street, and nearby streets. Marked entries and no-parking zones are also indicated.

Join us in person as we explore the struggle to expand human freedom.

Two men in suits sitting on stage in conversation, with a large presentation screen behind them displaying the title of a talk about religion, race, and proselytary thought in America, at an event organized by the Shockoe Institute.

Shockoe Institute Presents

Guests are invited to engage with historians, educators, policymakers, and creatives of all types to explore the enduring impact of racial slavery on modern American life through events, performances, and unique, thought-provoking experiences.

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