Longtime Valentine Museum director Bill Martin dies after being struck by vehicle

Bill Martin, director of The Valentine museum and a prominent local historian in Richmond, has died at age 71 after being struck by a vehicle while walking downtown on Saturday afternoon. 

Richmond Police responded to the intersection of North 10th Street and East Broad Street at about 2:10 p.m. on December 27 for a report of a vehicle colliding with a pedestrian. Police said the driver, an adult male, made a left turn from North 10th onto eastbound East Broad and struck Martin while he was in a marked crosswalk. The driver remained at the scene, and charges are pending. 

Martin was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries and died the following day, on December 28. 

Martin had served as director of The Valentine for 32 years, leading the Richmond history museum through financial and institutional challenges and expanding its role in public conversation about the city’s past. Under his leadership, the museum tackled complex topics including slavery and Civil War memory, and Martin was widely respected for his efforts to broaden and deepen how Richmond history is interpreted and presented. 

The Valentine issued a statement saying Martin dedicated his life “to telling Richmond’s stories with care, integrity and a deep love for this community.” Deputy Director of Collections Meg Hughes will serve as acting director as the museum leadership works to maintain operations and advance its mission. 

Local officials and community leaders expressed condolences. Richmond Mayor Danny Avula called Martin a “Richmond icon” and highlighted his work bringing fuller, more inclusive historical narratives to the city. 

Martin was named “Richmonder of the Year” by Style Weekly in 2024 for his contributions to the community. 

Opportunities to honor his memory are expected to be shared when appropriate, according to The Valentine’s statement.