RICHMOND, VIRGINIA – The Library of Virginia Foundation has received a $15,000 grant from the Virginia Law Foundation in support of a Library of Virginia project to conserve the last manuscript journal of the Virginia House of Burgesses recorded in 1776. 

In anticipation of the 250th anniversary of American independence, the Library is preparing this journal and other colonial and Revolutionary-era records for greater public engagement to highlight Virginia’s transition from a colonial government to a constitutional government.

“We’re honored by the Virginia Law Foundation’s support and recognition of this powerful piece of Revolutionary-era history,” said Dennis T. Clark, Librarian of Virginia. “Thanks to this funding, we can preserve an important historic record and make it accessible to all Virginians as we celebrate Virginia’s role in the nation’s semiquincentennial.” 

In an example of that transition, the Virginia House of Burgesses met for the last time on May 6, 1776, as recorded on the final page of its official journal. The group “determined not to adjourn, but let that body die,” as recorded by one of the members. The assistant clerk of the House of Burgesses recorded these last entries. His concluding word in Latin — “Finis” — meaning finished or the end, was written with a flourish on the last page to signify the group’s final meeting.

According to Library of Virginia historians, the House of Burgesses is recognized not only for having been the first elected representative government in colonial Virginia, but as the place where some of the most notable names of the American Revolution, such as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry, and Richard Henry Lee, began their political careers.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Virginia Law Foundation for continuing to support the Library of Virginia. This continued partnership has increased public engagement with the Virginia stories that defined the early formation of American independence and government,” said Scott Dodson, Executive Director of the Library of Virginia Foundation. “The ‘Finis’ journal provides a window into Virginia’s transition from colony to commonwealth. We are honored to be the steward of that story in service of the people of the Commonwealth.”

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ABOUT THE LIBRARY OF VIRGINIA AND FOUNDATION

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 on-site 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. 

The Library of Virginia Foundation supports the Library of Virginia and its mission by raising private financial support, managing its endowment, and helping to bring Virginia’s history and culture to life. Learn more at www.lvafoundation.org.