This February, commemorate Black History Month by learning more about the complicated and intertwined story of the people who have made Virginia home. 2019 marks the 400th anniversary of the arrival of the first Africans to Jamestown. These “20 odd” Africans landed first in Port Comfort in August of 1619 and were transported to the …
Photo courtesy of The Virginian-Pilot Willis Augustus Hodges served as the first African American lighthouse keeper at the Cape Henry Lighthouse from May 10 to July 26, 1870. Willis Augustus Hodges was born in Blackwater, Virginia, modern-day Virginia Beach, on February 12, 1815. He was born a free black man to a family of well-off …
It’s early January in Virginia and that means one exciting thing: the Virginia General Assembly’s legislative session is about to begin! Made up of the Senate of Virginia and the Virginia House of Delegates, the Virginia General Assembly finds its origins in the first legislative assembly held at Jamestown in 1619. The joint body meets …
Through our advocacy and community engagement initiatives, we are able to have a broad impact on and support the efforts of others who are working in historic preservation throughout the Commonwealth. Take a look at how your support has helped us make an impact on Virginia’s historic resources and communities. Over the past year, we’ve …
When colonists first settled in Virginia, they brought many holidays and traditions from their countries of origin with them. Although many of these early holidays would form the basis for modern customs, the characteristics and meanings of said holidays were different from modern ones in surprising and fascinating ways. Candlemas Day Not to be confused …
It’s officially the holiday season! This year, take a look at our holiday gift guide and stop by our historic sites for some truly unique gifts for the history lover in your life—and remember, Preservation Virginia members receive 10% off in our gift shops and free admission to our sites all year long! For the …
This November, commemorate Native American Heritage Month by learning more about the complicated and intertwined story of the people who have made Virginia home. The First People of Virginia have a history stretching back thousands of years. Today, 11 tribes are recognized in the Commonwealth: the Chickahominy in Charles City County, the Eastern Chickahominy in …
All throughout June, stop by the John Marshall House to learn how race and identity were constructed in early Federal America and the role the Marshall court played in its creation. Several court cases were brought in these years that show the evolution and change in perception of racial identity throughout this period. They include: …
