To what lengths would you go to prove your identity if you had no documentation? One formerly enslaved woman was able to do so 150…
Tracy HarterAugust 11, 2021
In 1791, Rachel Veney’s mother Sarah won a case in the district court of Northumberland County for her freedom and the freedom of her descendants.…
Greg CrawfordJune 9, 2021
Around 1712, two women were transported by ship to Virginia’s Northern Neck. The elder was named Mary and the younger Bess, who was about 13…
Greg CrawfordJune 2, 2021
The 2013 film 12 Years a Slave adapted the historical memoirs of Solomon Northup, a free African American from New York who was kidnapped and…
McKenzie LongApril 7, 2021
The “Runaway Slaves” Records, 1791-1863, available at Virginia Untold: the African American Narrative, include reports, accounts, correspondence, court records, and receipts concerning expenses incurred by…
Greg CrawfordJanuary 27, 2021
For those who enjoy the art and intricacy of transcribing historical documents, the Library of Virginia is pleased to announce that a selection of Albemarle…
Tracy HarterJune 24, 2020
Today we bring you a story in recognition of Census Day, April 1. Learn more about the 2020 United States Census (and submit your response!),…
Kevin ShupeApril 1, 2020
This post is Part 2 in a sometimes series about the statues of Virginia's Capitol Square. See Part 1 here. "In his quiet Roman workshop…
Meghan TownesDecember 13, 2019
CONTENT WARNING: Materials in the Library of Virginia’s collections contain historical terms, phrases, and images that are offensive to modern readers. These include demeaning and…
Greg CrawfordAugust 29, 2019
At the end of the 1962 John Ford classic The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, a reporter remarks, “When the legend becomes fact, print the…
Vince BrooksMay 22, 2019
Editors’ Note: This article originally appeared in the January 2019 Loudoun County Office of the Circuit Court Clerk Historic Records Newsletter, “Little Gems.” We are…
Guest ContributorMarch 20, 2019
The Virginia Museum of History & Culture (VMHC) and the Library of Virginia are cooperating to provide greater access to African American history and genealogy…
Greg CrawfordFebruary 21, 2019
In 1788, the Virginia General Assembly reformed the state judicial courts in order alleviate congestion in the General Court, which had caused unreasonable delays in…
Greg CrawfordFebruary 11, 2019
The Campbell County court ordered the sale of Louisa Alexander and her daughter, Eliza, because as enslaved persons, Virginia law considered them part of Louisa’s…
Mary Dean CarterFebruary 6, 2019
