The Library of Virginia is pleased to announce the addition to the Library's
web site of the Legislative Petitions Database, 1776-1865. The Legislative
Petitions database represents an ongoing project to calendar the Archives'
collection of legislative petitions to the General Assembly between 1776 and
1865. Thus far, more than 7,000 petitions have been calendared for the
localities from Accomack through Goochland. Legislative petitions are an
important source for a variety of research interests. They yield a wealth of
information related to Virginia's social and economic history. Additionally,
although the database does not index the scores of signatures on these
petitions, the petitions are a valuable source for genealogical research.
The database lists the name of the petitioner, locality, date of
presentation, description, reel number, box number, and folder number. In
addition, each petition has been assigned one or more topics for indexing
purposes. There are four ways to search the database: By Petitioner, By
Locality, By Description, or By Topic. Remember to check the database
periodically, as new localities are added weekly.
To access the database, visit the Library of Virginia's homepage at
http://www.lva.lib.va.us/ <http://www.lva.lib.va.us/> , click on "What We
Have," then click on "Government Records and Resources," followed by
"Historical Government Records and Resources."
Collection material can be accessed from microfilm in the West Reading Room
at the Library of Virginia. The microfilm is also available through
Interlibrary Loan. For more information please contact Archives Reference
staff at (804) 692-3888 or by electronic mail at [log in to unmask]


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