Letter from the President
By Paul A. Levengood, President and Chief Executive Officer
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, and the fallout from the subprime mortgage crisis turned into a worldwide recession. I could go on and on.
Well, I think that 2008 will long be viewed as a significant year in the history of your Virginia Historical Society. The institution saw its first leadership transition in two decades when Dr. Charles F. Bryan, Jr., stepped down as president in November. All of us who love this state, its history, and this institution owe Charlie a tremendous debt of gratitude. The year was marked by testimonials to the transforming role he played in making the VHS the strong, vibrant, and respected organization it is today.
In November, I assumed the presidency of the VHS humbly but with great enthusiasm. I take it as my personal charge to ensure that the momentum we have built over the past twenty years be continued and built upon. There are challenges ahead of us, to be sure. The economic climate of 2008 was one of the direst in living memory. Like all non-profits, we have had to find creative ways to do more with less and remain agile to keep delivering the programs and services upon which Virginians have come to rely.
I am happy to say that in 2008 we rose to those challenges—and continue to do so. The VHS remained the go-to resource for people of all ages who have an interest in the rich, fascinating history of Virginia and the nation. Whether it is in the educational programs that serve schoolchildren and teachers across the state or the opportunities for lifelong learning that we provide through lectures, classes, educational travel, exhibitions, and publications, we are here to ensure that the past is accessible and relevant to all. And increasingly we learn that through the wonders of the digital world our reach knows no geographical boundaries. I hope you visit our web site regularly to see the exciting online offerings that are growing every day.
I have been heartened by the loyal support that you, our members and supporters, have shown to me and more importantly to the VHS in this time of transition. You have played an enormous role in making the Society what it is today. And with your continued help we will make sure that this grand old institution remains a place to learn timeless lessons and gain much needed perspective. The words of Patrick Henry are inscribed on the front of our headquarters building, and they have never been more apt than they are in the turbulence of today: "I know of no way of judging of the future but by the past."
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