|
View “Mapping the Commonwealth: 1816–1826” Before It Closes on June 7 |
|
The Library’s exhibition “Mapping the Commonwealth, 1816–1826” tells the story of 10 years, five governors, two principal surveyors and one lead engraver — the time frame and team needed to create one of the first official state maps in the nation.
On view at the Library through June 7, the exhibition presents examples from 40 manuscript maps that attest to the dedication, skill and stamina of surveying teams who worked without the benefit of GPS and today's technology. Visit us to see these fascinating hand-drawn maps in person and find related resources online. |
|
|
|
|
May Is Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Heritage Month |
|
The Library of Virginia is commemorating Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) Heritage Month in May with a display of books including fiction, young adult, poetry, memoirs and more by Virginia APIDA authors in our circulation area. You can also explore a display of documents and photographs in the Local History and Genealogy Room highlighting the World War II military naturalizations of two Chinese American residents of Norfolk who gained citizenship through military service. Learn more about APIDA history and culture through a series of articles appearing this month on our blog, The UncommonWealth, and find research resources in our Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Resources Guide. |
|
|
|
|
|
| Book Talk With Jody Lynn Allen Examines History of Black Life in Hanover County |
| Join us on Thursday, May 29 at noon for a free talk by historian Jody Lynn Allen on her new book, “Roses in December: Black Life in Hanover County from Civil War to Civil Rights,” the inspiring chronicle of a Black Virginia community fighting for civil rights over the course of a pivotal century. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The book explores the lives of newly freed people and their descendants, providing an unprecedented look at rural Black Virginians’ resilience after disfranchisement.
Allen is an assistant professor of history and the Robert Francis Engs Director of the Lemon Project at William & Mary. A book signing will follow the talk. |
|
|
|
2024 Library of Virginia Impact Report Now Available |
| The Library of Virginia’s 2024 Impact Report is available on our website. Read about ways that the Library’s efforts empowered, engaged and excited Virginians; see a “By the Numbers” infographic on our collections, programs and services; and view our Honor Role of Donors for the period. Thank you for helping us assist people in every corner of the Commonwealth! |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Spaces Are Still Available in Our Virtual & In-person Intermediate Genealogy Workshops |
| Are you looking to expand your genealogical research skills? The Library’s intermediate genealogy workshop, How to Trace Your Virginia Roots, is being offered in both virtual (Friday, May 23 at 10 a.m.) and in-person formats (Friday, June 13 at 9:30 a.m.). Join Library reference archivists to learn about the types of records in our collections and get started with your Virginia-based genealogical research. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Weinstein Author Series Talks Are Filling Up Fast |
| Seats for this year’s Carole Weinstein Author Series lineup are filling up quickly! Talks by David Baldacci in May and Adriana Trigiani in July are both full but have waitlists available. Upcoming topics include the culinary history of five generations of Black country cooks and the story of the curators, librarians and collectors who created Black archives. Register now to reserve your seats for these free talks that focus on Virginia authors and Virginia subjects. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LVA On the Go Continues Its Statewide Tour in May & June |
| The Library of Virginia’s On the Go van is touring the state to bring some of the Library’s resources, staff expertise and programming to locations across the Commonwealth.
Upcoming location visits include the Virginia Street Arts Festival in Waynesboro on Saturday, May 17, the Pamunkey Regional Library System’s Mechanicsville Branch Library on Saturday, June 7, the Williamson Road Branch of the Roanoke Public Library on Saturday, June 14, and the Spark in the Park festival in Poquoson on Friday, June 27. Visitors will engage with local history, family history, educational materials and more. For more information, contact Peter North at 804.692.3536 or peter.north@lva.virginia.gov. |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
A family group visited the Library in April to view items related to their ancestors in our Homefront to Frontline display. Left to right, back row: Mary Kiracofe, Drew Kiracofe, Justin Hancock, Nancy Pillis, Greg Pillis and Mike Claggett. Left to right, front row: Kiley Hancock, Abby Hancock, Marty Rowe, Becky Claggett, Joan Pillis, Denise Lisle and Erin Hancock. |
|
“Homefront to Frontline: Virginia’s WWII Story” Continues Through October |
| Have you visited the Library in person or online to explore "Homefront to Frontline: Virginia's WWII Story"? This lobby display, online exhibition and collection of online resources commemorates the 80th anniversary of the end of the war. Archival materials, posters, photographs, letters and other documents bring to life the experiences of those who served in the military as well as those who supported the war effort at home. |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Do You Know What's on the Reverse Side of Virginia's “Great Seal”? |
| A Virginia Shop exclusive — introducing a beautiful commemorative coin featuring both sides of Virginia's state seal. The well-known obverse side features the goddess Virtus standing over the defeated form of Tyranny. The seldom-seen reverse side, however, includes the word “Perseverando” (Latin for "persevering") and features goddesses representing liberty, eternity and fruitfulness. This $20 brass coin measures 1.75" in diameter and comes in a velvet pouch.
Get free shipping on any online order over $50 with code VA250. Valid through June 30, 2025. Visit the Virginia Shop in person Tuesday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — or shop online anytime at thevirginiashop.org. |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
