SEARCH SITE

VIRGINIA LAW PORTAL

SEARCHABLE DATABASES

ACROSS SESSIONS

Developed and maintained by the Division of Legislative Automated Systems.

2022 SESSION


HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 64
Designating October, in 2022 and in each succeeding year, as Local History Month in Virginia.

 

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 8, 2022
Agreed to by the Senate, March 1, 2022

 

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth, home of the first permanent English settlement in North America and birthplace of the United States of America, has been uniquely defined by its rich history and cultural traditions for centuries; and

WHEREAS, the study of local history, in contrast to academic history, emphasizes the importance of place and how the geography that shaped peoples' lives in the past continues to impact individuals today; and

WHEREAS, through a greater awareness and understanding of local history, a locality's resident gains an appreciation for his place in the world and cultivates a more meaningful relationship with his community; and

WHEREAS, a Conference of State and Local Historical Societies was formed within the American Historical Association in 1904, and this body later grew into the American Association for State and Local History in 1940, marking an increased interest in the study of local history throughout the 20th century; and

WHEREAS, hundreds of local historical and genealogical societies throughout the Commonwealth have enthusiastically embraced the task of preserving their communities' histories for the benefit of future generations; and

WHEREAS, local historical and genealogical societies of the Commonwealth further their missions through a variety of endeavors, including establishing and maintaining museums, preserving historic homes, offering workshops and lectures, and developing archives, and often work with local school systems to help bring the study of history to life for students; and

WHEREAS, the accomplishments of local historical and genealogical societies would not be possible without the selfless and indefatigable efforts of countless volunteer local historians; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly designate October, in 2022 and in each succeeding year, as Local History Month in Virginia; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates transmit a copy of this resolution to the Pittsylvania Historical Society, on behalf of historical and genealogical societies throughout the Commonwealth, so that members of these organizations may be apprised of the sense of the General Assembly of Virginia in this matter; and, be it

RESOLVED FINALLY, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates post the designation of this month on the General Assembly's website.