VA250, Library of Virginia to launch 3-year project spotlighting 18th century legislative petitions
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The Library of Virginia and the Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission are joining forces to launch a three-year project entitled “Ideas in Action: Virginians Petition Their Government, 1776–1786.” This initiative aims to educate the public about the significance of a unique collection of over 2,000 legislative petitions submitted by Virginians to their General Assembly during the Revolutionary era.
The project will utilize a crowd-sourced approach, inviting Virginians to participate in transcribing and engaging with the petitions, which are part of the Library of Virginia's extensive collections. This initiative reflects VA250’s theme, “A Revolution of Ideas,” by highlighting how Virginians from diverse backgrounds actively sought to protect their rights and hold their government accountable.
“'Ideas in Action' brings the Revolution home, allowing Virginians to explore the concerns and aspirations of their communities," said VA250 Executive Director Cheryl Wilson.
The project will build upon the Library's successful “Making History” program, which has engaged the public in transcribing and indexing historical documents. The Library will collaborate with local 250th anniversary committees across the state to host events and presentations through which participants can contribute to the transcription effort.
“This is an exciting way to engage the public in understanding the lived experiences of Virginians during the Revolutionary era,” said Librarian of Virginia Dennis T. Clark.
The project will culminate in the development of an online educational portal, created in partnership with the Roy Rosenzweig Center for History and New Media at George Mason University. This portal will serve as a lasting legacy of the 250th anniversary commemoration, offering teachers and the public access to a rich collection of primary sources and educational resources. Through its annual Anne & Ryland Brown Teacher Institute and coordination with the Department of Education, the Library prepares Virginia's teachers to use the portal and related materials.
