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, LVA has an unparalleled collection of private papers that includes 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. The reports can be found by visiting LVA’s News & Press Center.
Here are a couple highlights from our most recent accessioned collections:
RVA Black Elders Telling Our Stories Project
Collection, 2025, of the RVA Black Elders Telling Our Stories Project of Richmond, Virginia, containing interviews, photographs, summaries, transcripts, and other documentation of four African American community leaders in Chesterfield and Powhatan Counties, Virginia, and Richmond: Charles Barker, Myla Burgess, Jeanette Lesine, and Dr. Jacqueline McDonnough. The collection includes summaries and reflections by high school students who participated in the interviews and photographs of a community celebration of the project. Gift of RVA Black Elders Tell Their Stories Project, Delores Kimbrough, Project Director, Midlothian. (Accession 54623)
Delores Kimbrough and high school students conducted interviews with Charles Barker, Myla Burgess, Jeanette Lesine, and Dr. Jacqueline McDonnough, who shared their life stories and their hopes for the future. The students shared their reflections on the interviews.
Frank Snead Chisholm Letters
Letters, 1924-1945, of Frank Snead Chisholm (1906-2000) of Hanover County and Richmond, Virginia, while serving in the United States Army in Europe during World War II. He writes his parents Ira B. Chisholm (1876-1965) and Mattie Chisholm (1880-1965) about his experiences and about his frustrations over a delay in his return home. Also includes letters, 1945, from Elwood Chisholm (1908-1994), serving in the Army Air Corps in Panama. Also, a letter, 7 August 1924, from Mrs. Flippo, Frank Chisholm’s Sunday School teacher; and a letter, January 1942, to Frank Chisholm from a former love interest just before his wedding. Purchased. (Accession 52488)
Frank Chisholm received this letter from a former girlfriend on the eve of his wedding to Louise Hamlin (1916-1992) saying a final goodbye and wishing him well in life. Chisholm did not comply with her request to destroy the letter.
: Chisholm captures the frustration of servicemen in the European Theater after Germany’s surrender. Hoping to return home quickly, he is ensnared in the points system used by the U.S. Army, feeling that other soldiers who served a shorter time and had fewer points were being discharged before him.
B. Winn Rule
Rule, 17 September 1799, for estimating duties on goods in American vessels, written in Richmond, Virginia, by B. Winn. Duties and tariffs have been enacted on goods and products in the United States throughout its history. They are intended to control trade and raise revenue for the government. Purchased. (Accession 52396)
