The Library of Virginia maintains the most comprehensive collection of information about Virginia’s history, culture, and government. We hold more than 200 million manuscript items, digital images, and records in our archives that tell countless stories of Virginians and our collective past. In addition to state and local government records, the Library has an unparalleled collection of private papers that include records of businesses, organizations, churches, and individuals. These archival collections continue to grow, and archivists are constantly acquiring and processing records to make them accessible to the public. Four times a year, we publish reports of newly accessioned records. View the New Archival Accession Reports online.
Here are a few highlights from our most recent accessioned collections:
Resolution from the Merchants and Traders of the City of Richmond and Town of Manchester
Resolution, April 27, 1796, of the merchants and traders of the city of Richmond and the town of Manchester, Virginia, for presenting a memorial to the United States House of Representatives asking for appropriations to carry into full effect the treaty between the United States and Great Britain (Jay’s Treaty). Jay’s Treaty between the United States and Great Britain passed the Senate in 1795. The treaty settled issues left over from the Revolution, but critics contended that the treaty conceded too much to Britain. Controversial, the treaty was one of the issues that led to the development of the First Party System in the U.S. The group also formed a committee to answer correspondence from a committee of merchants in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and to correspond with merchants in other commercial centers. Purchased. (Accession 53831)
Warrenton Presbyterian Church (Warrenton, Va.)
Papers, 1885-2011, of Warrenton Presbyterian Church in Warrenton, Virginia, consisting of the record book, 1946-2011, of Pastor John Richard Winter (1922-2023) recording his career in the ministry; a history of the church written by Winter; a biographical sketch of Winter; photograph album, 1987, of a celebration for Winter; photographs of Warrenton Presbyterian Church, 1885-2005; newspaper clippings, 1966-2006, about the church; and a calendar, 1965, containing sketches of churches, buildings, and street scenes in Warrenton. Lent for copying by Warrenton Presbyterian Church, Warrenton. (Accession 54401)
John Richard Winter served as pastor of Warrenton Presbyterian Church for 36 years (1951-1987), preaching sermons and conducting baptisms, weddings, and funerals. Upon his retirement, he became pastor emeritus.
Warrenton Presbyterian Church was constructed in 1855. During the Civil War, the church at times was occupied by Union troops who used the structure as a hospital and a stable. After the war, the congregation repaired damage to the church. This is a photograph of the church in 1885.
Williams Family
Papers, 1884-2021, of the Williams family of Goochland and Henrico Counties, and Richmond, Virginia, consisting of articles, certificates, clippings, correspondence, journals, newsletters, notes, programs, reports, and other documents detailing the medical careers of Ennion Gifford Williams (1874-1931) and Ennion Skelton Williams (1906-1965). Gift of Ennion Williams, Jr., Richmond. (Accession 53248)
Ennion Giford Williams was appointed Virginia’s first Public Health Commissioner by Governor Claude Swanson in 1908 and was reappointed by subsequent governors until his death. Williams’ focus was on improving public health through measures such as better sanitation practices and better public education.
: As Public Health Commissioner, Williams worked with organizations like the Anti-Diphtheria League of Virginia and with localities to improve health care for children throughout Virginia.
