200 Years, 200 Stories
The Library of Virginia, one of the oldest state libraries and archives in the nation, marked its bicentennial in 2023. On view in our gallery from January 24–October 28, 2023, "200 Years, 200 Stories" celebrated more than 200 Virginians whose fascinating narratives are housed in our collections and together reflect the stories of Virginia.
Since its founding as a library at the seat of government in 1823, the Library of Virginia's collections have grown substantially and now contain 2 million books, newspapers, maps, prints and photographs as well as 134 million manuscript items. The archival collection contains the official records of the Commonwealth’s governors, the General Assembly, and state agencies and commissions as well as personal and family correspondence, genealogical research files, and records of numerous businesses and of political, professional and educational organizations. The Library’s holdings comprise the single most comprehensive collection of information about Virginia history, culture and government available anywhere in the world.
200 Years of Service at the Library of Virginia
200 Years, 200 Stories
Our bicentennial exhibition featured some of the many Virginians whose fascinating life stories are housed in our collections. Explore these stories to learn more about Virginians from all walks of life who have contributed to the Commonwealth's history and culture.
ExploreCompelling Collections
Learn more about the history of the Library and the stories we collect and preserve in our series of In the Gallery videos and recordings of our 2023 signature programs.
Exhibition Introduction
View the gallery in this video by Riggs Ward Design studio, whose vision and design helped bring our exhibition to life.
In the Gallery
Watch our In the Gallery videos to learn more about some of the items on display. Find everything from architectural drawings to high school yearbooks to the Virginia Lottery's Lady Luck collection.
Origins of the Library of Virginia's Book Collection
Retired historian Brent Tarter discusses the origins of our book collection, some of which date back to the Colonial Council library kept at Jamestown.
The First Civil Rights
The Library of Virginia and Virginia Humanities celebrated the completion of a signature project documenting the lives of Virginia's first Black legislators from 1869 to 1890.
A Woman's Place is in the House...of Delegates
We celebrated a century of women in the House of Delegates with a panel discussion about the challenges, opportunities and changes women have experienced in Capitol Square.