Home > About the VHS >2008 Annual Report

President's Letter
In many ways 2008 may long be seen as a historic year. The nation elected its first African American president, swimmer Michael Phelps electrified the globe with his record-breaking Olympic efforts... Read More

Governance
Governance of the VHS consists of its officers, board of trustees, president’s council, and administration. The leadership directs the VHS's mission to collect, preserve, and interpret the commonwealth's past for the education and enjoyment of present and future generations.

Selected Accessions
The VHS added more than 300 library, manuscript, and museum items to the collection in 2008. These materials will help visitors of all ages and backgrounds better understand Virginia’s past.

Exhibitions
Exhibitions at the VHS offer a chance for visitors to learn more about the history of Virginia through its artifacts. In 2008, the society displayed five temporary, three traveling, and nine long-term exhibitions.

Lectures
The society continued its popular noontime Banner Lecture series in 2008, offering fifteen lectures. The VHS also held its annual Stuart G. Christian, Jr., J. Harvie Wilkinson, Jr., and Alexander W. Weddell Trustees lectures.

Awards
The VHS annually recognizes achievement by scholars, teachers, students, and society staff. In 2008, the society presented eight awards to those who helped the VHS fulfill its educational mission.

Research Fellows
To promote the interpretation of Virginia history and access to its collections, the VHS, funded by a matching grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, offers annual research fellowships. In 2008, thirty-two fellows conducted research at the society.

Schools Served
Through educational tours and outreach programs, the Virginia Historical Society served 170 schools in 2008.