The UncommonWealth – Voices from The Library of Virginia

By Lydia Neuroth In Archives

“Who is the mother of said Catherine”: Finding Families in Virginia Untold

This past summer, I was asked to present at the Lemon Project Summer Sankofa Genealogy Workshop held at William &…

Public Libraries

Why Not a Public Wedding at the Library?

I didn’t need much convincing when Julia Berg, head of programs, partnerships and outreach for Arlington Public Library, first came to me with the idea…

Guest ContributorNovember 10, 2025

Archives Manuscripts & Special Collections

Governor, Gunrunner?: “Honest John” Letcher and the Secession Crisis

During the Secession Crisis of 1860-1861, members of President James Buchanan’s cabinet distributed arms to secessionists. According to General and future President Ulysses S. Grant,…

Kenneth ForestNovember 5, 2025

Archives Education & Programming Manuscripts & Special Collections

Political Life in Virginia

Editor’s Note: This blog post contains information from a previous Library of Virginia exhibition, "A full vote, a fair ballot, and a free count": Political Life…

Library of VirginiaNovember 3, 2025

Manuscripts & Special Collections

The Tale of Wizard Clip

In the late 18th century, Adam Livingston and his family were bedeviled by invisible shears. Crescent-moon-shaped holes appeared in their clothing and shoes and saddles;…

Kelly DaltonOctober 31, 2025

Manuscripts & Special Collections

WRVA: The Voice of Virginia

Editor’s Note: This blog post contains information from a previous Library of Virginia exhibition (2003–2004), Radio in Virginia, developed by Gerald "Jay" Gaidmore. For generations of…

John DealOctober 29, 2025

The Stacks Virginia Authors

New Books – October 2025

The Library of Virginia's first-floor lobby and Exhibition Gallery are open Monday-Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The second-floor Reading Rooms are open Tuesday-Friday, 9:00…

Annie HattonOctober 27, 2025

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