Archives Week in Virginia celebrates those individuals and institutions that help preserve and make accessible the important records of our actions as citizens, as businesses, as religious groups, as governments, and as a society. The work of these institutions and individuals gives us a sense of being part of a larger picture and helps us begin to see ourselves connected to others—whether to family, community, or nation or to a group defined by ethnicity, religion, work, or play.
This year marks the fifth annual statewide celebration of Archives Week in Virginia. Again, the Library of Virginia, in conjunction with the Virginia Caucus of the Mid–Atlantic Regional Archives Conference (MARAC) and the Library of Virginia Foundation, has produced a poster commemorating the Commonwealth’s archival and special collections repositories and the rich cultural record they protect.
This year’s theme, "Bridging Past and Present: Virginia’s Archives and Special Collections," highlights the importance of maintaining a connection to our history. Whether "history" means 4 years ago, or 400 years ago, Virginia’s archival institutions make it their goal to preserve and protect our historical records. Through their diligence, the records of the Commonwealth will be available for generations to come.
The poster would not have been complete without the contribution of images from institutions across the state, including Arlington County Public Library, Colonial Williamsburg, Hollins University, Roanoke Public Libraries, University of Mary Washington, University of Virginia Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections and Archives, University of Virginia Claude Moore Health Sciences Library,University of Virginia Law Library, Valentine Richmond History Center, Virginia Commonwealth University James Branch Cabell Library, Virginia Historical Society, and Virginia Union University.
The Library of Virginia has organized three free noontime talks focusing on the role of archives in genealogy, oral history, and architectural preservation. Detailed information about these programs may be found by going to our events page. Please join us at these events as we celebrate all Virginians—and all who help bridge the present to the past.
