RICHMOND, VIRGINIA – The Library of Virginia invites visitors to step back in time with its new exhibition, “Broad Street Circa 1919: Exploring Richmond's Architectural Heritage through Photographs,” on view through May 30, 2026. 

The exhibition features historic photographs of Broad Street taken in 1919 by G.L. Hall, a local photographer who operated a modest studio on the street. It highlights Broad Street’s history and buildings through photographs, architectural drawings, advertisements and other historical documents from the Library’s collections. Hall’s panoramic scenes offer an authentic, ground-level perspective of an area he knew well, capturing the details and character of one of Richmond’s most iconic streets. 

The exhibit offers a glimpse of a city in motion. The year 1919 marked a period of transition and growth for Richmond and the nation. Emerging from the shadows of World War I and the 1918 influenza pandemic, the city was experiencing social shifts, economic development and an evolving urban landscape. Broad Street served as a busy corridor of commerce and culture, its architecture reflecting both the ambitions and challenges of the era. 

Learn more about the exhibition and G.L. Hall on our website. 

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ABOUT THE LIBRARY OF VIRGINIA 

The Library of Virginia is the leading source of information on Virginia’s history, government and people. The Library’s collections, containing more than 134 million items, document and illustrate the lives of both famous Virginians and ordinary citizens. Our online resources draw nearly 2 million website visits per year, and our onsite records, exhibitions and events bring in thousands of visitors annually. The Library is located in downtown Richmond near Capitol Square at 800 East Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23219. Learn more at www.lva.virginia.gov.