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] To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe, please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-hist.html