Posts – Page 56 – The UncommonWealth

New on Virginia Chronicle: Richmond Whig and Commercial Journal

First, a quick note that the Library’s Out of the Box and Fit to Print blogs will be joining forces under one name in the new…

Kelley EwingDecember 8, 2017

Archives

A Morbid Memento: The Trial of Kit Leftwich

In September 1895, Kit Leftwich (also known as Kit Leftridge) was indicted for the rape of Annie Fogarty, the 12-year-old daughter of his supervisor. The…

Guest ContributorDecember 6, 2017

Archives

Last Call: Women and the Repeal of Prohibition

National prohibition was officially repealed with the ratification of the 21st Amendment on 5 December 1933. Prohibition of the production and sale of alcoholic beverages…

Claire RadcliffeNovember 29, 2017

Archives

Taking Office: Inaugurations of Virginia’s Governors, 1942-2010

Every four years, on the Saturday after the second Wednesday in January, Virginia’s three highest elected officials - the governor, the lieutenant governor, and the…

Roger ChristmanNovember 29, 2017

Archives Education & Programming

The Murder of John R. Moffett: Race, Politics, and Local Control

On the evening of 11 November 1892, attorney and Democratic Party operative John T. Clark shot and fatally wounded Reverend John R. Moffett on the…

Gregg KimballNovember 17, 2017

Archives

“My place of residence is Camp Lee, Virginia”: World War I Military Naturalizations

Beginning in 1795, the United States required individuals who wished to become United States citizens to file a declaration of intent, followed by a petition…

Cara GriggsNovember 8, 2017

Archives

Vote For Me! Governor’s Election Records at the Library of Virginia

As everyone should be aware, it’s almost time to vote for a new governor of Virginia. Election Day is next Tuesday, 7 November, but going…

Ginny DunnNovember 2, 2017

Newspapers

To-night is Halloween!

Happy Halloween From the VNP! In honor of the spookiest of holidays, here’s a look back at how Richmonders of the past celebrated Halloween.For young…

Olin JohnsonOctober 31, 2017

Newspapers

There Be Great Witches Among Them: Witchcraft and the Devil in Colonial Virginia

Salem witch trials are among the most well-known instances of witchcraft in colonial America, but belief in witches was not limited to New England. The colonists…

Olin JohnsonOctober 26, 2017

Manuscripts & Special Collections

Statue Stories: Thomas J. Jackson and Civil War Remembrance

This is the first in a series of blog posts about the statues of Virginia’s Capitol Square, which are a part of the State Art Collection.…

Meghan TownesOctober 26, 2017

Archives

Election Time: Poll Books of the 1867 Election

On 22 October 1867, African American men cast votes for the first time in Virginia; this significant event was recorded in poll books in counties…

Paige NealOctober 23, 2017

Archives Manuscripts & Special Collections

Ghosts in the Archives: Communing with the Virginia Historical Inventory

Occasionally, we ask guest writers to share information or stories about researching in our collections, public library programming or activities, and other topics which Library…

Guest ContributorOctober 18, 2017

Archives

Opportunity Time: The Records of Virginia Governor Linwood Holton

On Monday, 16 October 2017, the City of Roanoke will dedicate Holton Plaza, a new park named in honor of former Virginia Governor A. Linwood Holton (1970-1974). Out…

Roger ChristmanOctober 13, 2017

Archives

It Came From YouTube!: the State Records Film Collection

Have you ever been curious about the birds who call Virginia home? Or wanted to explore the history of Richmond? Or maybe take a closer…

Paige NealOctober 11, 2017

Newspapers

Rutherford Observed: A Presidential Visit to Richmond & the State Fair, Oct. 31, 1877

First, a pre-blog promotional announcement! The Library of Virginia has a booth of its own, 627 in the Farm Bureau Center building, at the Virginia…

Henry MorseOctober 6, 2017