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About the VHS
 History of the VHS
The Virginia Historical Society was founded in 1831. Like most of the nation's older
historical societies, it has always been a private organization; one that derives virtually all its
support from membership and endowment. At the organizational meeting in 1831, Chief Justice
John Marshall was elected its first president, and former president James Madison was elected its
first honorary member.
 Battle Abbey
The neoclassical structure that houses the library and headquarters of the Virginia Historical Society
was built in five stages over a period of years from 1912 to 1992.
The first part, completed in 1913, was built
by the Confederate Memorial Association as a shrine to the Confederate dead and as a repository for the records of the Lost Cause. In 1946, the Confederate Memorial Association merged with the Virginia Historical Society.
 Virginia House
Virginia House was completed a few months before the stock market crash of 1929. Alexander and Virginia Weddell's home, situated on a hillside overlooking the historic James River in Richmond, was constructed from the materials of a sixteenth-century English manor house. Now owned and operated by the Virginia Historical Society as a museum, the house has been preserved much as it was when the Weddells resided there.
Our Mission
To collect, preserve, and interpret the commonwealth's past for the education and enjoyment of present and future generations
Trustees
The VHS is governed by a board of trustees, composed of twenty-four elected members.
Administration
The president and CEO, with his senior management team, leads the VHS staff.
Annual Reports
Reports are available online for 2000–2007.
Volunteer
A great way to learn more about history while helping to preserve the past for future generations
Jobs
Volunteer and paid employment opportunities at the VHS.
Associations
The VHS is proud to be associated with the American Association of Museums, American Association for State and Local History, Independent Research Library Association, Southeastern Museums Conference, and the Virginia Association of Museums.
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