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 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. View the New Archival Accession Reports online.
Here are a few highlights from our most recent accessioned collections:
Thomas Chisman Papers
Thomas Chisman (Cheeseman, Cheesman) (circa 1652-1715) of York County, Virginia, consisting of a survey, October 1677, for 420 acres in York County; land grant, 29 April 1693, for 253 acres to Chisman signed by Governor Edmund Andros (1637-1714); and a deed, May 24, 1709, for three tracts of land in York County totaling 810 acres from Chisman to his son John Chisman (1682-1728). The land survey and the land grant properties appear to be two of the three tracts. Includes transcripts and biographical information. Gift of Edward Oldfield, Norfolk. (Accession 54365)
Thomas Chisman received a land grant from Governor Edmund Andros for transporting six persons to Virginia. Eligible to receive 300 acres, Chisman was granted only 253.
East End Cemetery Records
Records, 1901-1973, of East End Cemetery in Richmond, Virginia, consisting of a minute book, 1901-1932, including financial records for 1901-1904 and 1920-1922 as well as loose papers, 1925-1967, consisting of correspondence, invoices, minutes, notes, receipts, and other papers; and consisting of a cash book, 1922-1973, including a list of section owners, as well as loose papers, 1906-1968, containing deeds to plots, bill of sale, envelopes, insurance policy, and notes. Also includes two maps, November 01, 1922, for the annex to East End Cemetery. Gift of Adrienne Gray Rhone, Vienna. (Accession 54855)
The Greenwood Memorial Association attempted to establish an African American cemetery in eastern Richmond in 1891 but failed due to opposition of white landowners. A second attempt to open a cemetery next to Evergreen Cemetery in 1895 also failed. Members of the association then established the East End Burial Association in 1897 and successfully founded East End Cemetery.
Jacob F. Randolph Account Book
Account book, 1772-1790, of Jacob F. Randolph (1743-1797) of Isle of Wight and Southampton Counties, Virginia, containing records for goods and services. Contains accounts with free African Americans, including Demee, noting his manumission. Also includes record of goods taken by both the British and American armies during the Revolution; record of Randolph’s marriage and birth of his children; and a record of important dates, including July 4, 1776, and May 13, 1779, when the British burned Suffolk, Virginia. Purchased. (Accession 54315)
During the Revolution, Randolph, like other farmers, had crops, supplies, and equipment taken by both American and British troops and not receiving compensation. Randolph recorded what both sides confiscated from him.
