Bill Martin

William J. Martin (1954 – December 28, 2025) was an American public historian and longtime director of the Valentine. Under his leadership, the museum survived a financial crisis and served as a mainstay of Richmond, Virginia's historical scene.

Early life Martin grew up in Brandy Station, Culpeper County. He credited his parents and grandmother with fostering his love of history.

Career Martin's career began with stints at the Okefenokee Heritage Center and at Southern Forest World, two Georgia museums, as well as a stint as the director of the Jacksonville Arts and Sciences Museum.

In 1994, Martin joined the Valentine as director of marketing and public relations. The Valentine had recently attempted to open an extension, Valentine Riverside at the Tredegar Iron Works, an expensive and unpopular attraction which closed within 16 months. he was soon named the museum's director. He had been determined to do so since the 2017 Unite the Right rally and subsequent violence in Charlottesville, Virginia. The statue, which had been designed by Edward Virginius Valentine, was put on display in an unrestored state, toppled to the ground and covered with paint by protesters.

Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger, following Martin's death, praised Martin as one who "exemplified the best of Virginia — developing a deep knowledge of our past and determining how it can inform our future." Senator Tim Kaine wrote on Twitter that "no one was more dedicated to fostering a deep understanding of Virginia's complicated history than Bill Martin."

Sesha Joi Moon, co-founder of the JXN Project, stated of Martin that "he stood in the gap for so many — helping to connect some of the very most complicated corners of the city through arts, culture, and history."