Commemorative Commission records of the Virginia Division of Legislative Services,

Access and use

Location of collection:
Library of Virginia
The Library of Virginia
800 East Broad Street
Richmond, VA 23219
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Archives Reference Services
Phone: (804) 692-3888

Background

Scope and content:

Commemorative Commission records, 2007-2020, document the meetings, activities, discussions, decisions, and recommendations of the Virginia Commission on the Bicentennial of the War of 1812, the Virginia Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War Commission, and the Virginia WWI and WWII Commemoration Commission. Many of the records pertain to planning for commemorative events.

These records are in electronic format (2580 mb, 1332 files, 130 folders).

Records may include agendas, articles, briefings, brochures, budgets, certificates, correspondence, financial records, invitations, legislation, meeting notes, minutes, event programs, promotional materials, meeting minutes, photographs, planning documentation, presentations, press releases, reports, research materials, resolutions, schedules, talking points, teacher resources, timelines and work plans.

The Virginia Commission for the Bicentennial of the War of 1812 was created in 2008 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812, highlighting Virginia's role in the war. The commission was tasked with planning and coordinating commemorative events and activities, supporting educational initiatives, promoting historical literacy, and establishing historical markers. Records, 2010-2015, include planning records related to Chesapeake Bay tours, Legacy Symposium, OpSail 2012 Virginia, a symphonic tribute, the Virginia War of 1812 Heritage Trail, and other events, as well as documentation related to historical markers.

The Virginia Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War Commission was created by the General Assembly in 2006 and charged with planning for and commemorating the 150th anniversary of Virginia's participation in the American Civil War. Programs included signature conferences, a History Mobile and the Civil War 150 Legacy Project: Documentation Digitazion and Access. Records, 2007-2015, include meeting records for the Full Commission and for the Executive Committee, with agendas and meeting materials such as staff notes and reports, budget and funding documentation, correspondence, grant information, presentations, reports and work plans; History Mobile design and specifications, meeting agendas and notes, schedules, tour scripts, and research materials; and records related to the Virginia Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War Foundation including financial reports, bylaws and Board of Trustees meeting agendas, minutes and related attachments.

The Virginia World War I and World War II Commemoration Commission was created by the General Assembly during the 2016 session by expanding the existing World War II 75th Anniversary Commission to inclued the observance of the 100th anniversary of World War I. Primary goals of the Commission included honoring veterans, inspiring a desire to learn more, connecting through travel and tourism, and preservation of historic sites. Signature events and programs included the Profiles of Honor mobile tour, a speaker series, and a Teacher Symposium. Records, 2016-2020, include correspondence, budgets, event briefings and planning documentation, invitations, meeting agendas and notes, memoranda, presentation, press releases, programs, remarks, and schedules.

Biographical / historical:

On March 21, 1914 the Legislative Reference Bureau was created within the Office of the Attorney General by an act of the General Assembly. Its primary purpose was to draft legislation for the governor and members of the General Assembly, collect materials related to proposed legislation, maintain files of all legislative documents, and to analyze the legal effects and other aspects of proposed legislation. The agency was to be run by a director appointed by the Governor. On March 24, 1930 the General Assembly changed the name to the Divison of Statutory Research and Drafting and the Division was moved from the Office of the Attorney General to the legislative branch of state government. The Division of Statutory Research and Drafting was reorganized into the Division of Legislative Services on March 15, 1973. That same year, the Division was given the responsibility of providing both legal and research staff support to all standing committees of both houses of the General Assembly. The Division's major responsibilities include conducting legal and general research, drafting legislation, providing staff support to all standing committees and legislative study committees, subcommittees and commissions, evaluating the constitutionality and legal effects of legislation, and performing various other member services. The mission of the Division of Legislative Services is to assist legislators in fulfilling their duties and obligations as members of the General Assembly.

Acquisition information:
Accession 54737 was transferred on 02/25/2026.
Physical description:
2580 mb.