[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 9 (Tuesday, January 13, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E33-E34]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF WILLIAM J. ``BILL'' MARTIN

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. JENNIFER L. McCLELLAN

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 13, 2026

  Ms. McCLELLAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and remember the 
life of William J. ``Bill'' Martin, a cherished leader, historian, and 
steward of Richmond's history, who passed away on December 28, 2025, at 
the age of 71. Bill Martin served with distinction for over three 
decades as the Director of The Valentine Museum in Richmond, Virginia, 
dedicating his life to preserving and interpreting the rich and complex 
narratives of our community.

[[Page E34]]

  Born and raised in Culpeper County, Virginia, Bill's passion for 
history and community storytelling grew into a remarkable career that 
transformed The Valentine into a dynamic, vibrant center of learning 
and civic engagement. During his 32 years of leadership, Bill guided 
the museum through financial crises, expanded its collections and 
programs, and fostered inclusive conversations about Richmond's past 
and its impact on the present and future. His stewardship helped ensure 
that The Valentine became not just a collection of artifacts, but a 
forum where history could be studied and shared by all.
  Bill's commitment to truth and community extended beyond The 
Valentine's walls. He embraced challenging and sometimes uncomfortable 
discourse about slavery, the legacy of the Confederacy and Jim Crow, 
and how Richmond's history is told. His efforts strengthened civic 
understanding, bridged diverse perspectives, and inspired countless 
residents and visitors to reflect deeply on our shared past.
  Bill Martin was widely recognized for his contributions to Richmond's 
cultural life. In 2024, he was named ``Richmonder of the Year'' by 
Style Weekly, as a testament to his influence and the profound respect 
he earned across the Richmond community.
  Bill was not just a constituent; he was a true friend, one whose 
passion and joy for his work and community were infectious. While his 
legacy will live on in the stories he brought to light, he will be 
dearly missed. These words reflect not only Bill's professional 
excellence but also his personal warmth, his ability to bring people 
together, and his unwavering belief in the power of history to guide us 
toward a more just and informed future.
  Today, we mourn the loss of a visionary leader, a devoted colleague, 
and a dear friend to so many in the Richmond region and beyond. Bill's 
legacy will endure in the countless lives he touched, in the stories he 
preserved, and in future generations of learners and leaders he 
inspired.

                          ____________________