The Story of Virginia: Highlights from the Virginia Museum of History

Tells a highly visual and accessible story of Virginia, and its importance in the history of America, from the late 1500s to the early 21st century. The story of Virginia is at the centre of the American experience. World-changing, pivotal events of the nation have most often taken place in Virginia or been meaningfully shaped by Virginians. The ideas most cherished by Americans were oft inspired and contested in the state, with lasting consequence. The history of the "mother of states" and the "mother of presidents" is long, rich, and complex. While Virginians have offered ideas with lasting positive global impact, they also have engaged in tragic fights and have allowed unmistakable injustices. This book presents 400 evocative objects from Museum's permanent exhibition, and from its impressive collection, chronologically and with brief background. In a 200-page sampling of letters, documents, artefacts, paintings, furniture, silver, and other decorative objects, along with books, maps, prints, broadsides, guns, uniforms, period photographs, and utilitarian objects, a unique and lavishly illustrated history of Virginia is provided. AUTHORS: Dr. William Rasmussen is lead curator & Lora Robins Curator, Virginia Museum of History & Culture. Jamie O. Bosket is president and CEO of the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, formerly vice president for guest experience at George Washington's Mount Vernon. He holds a master's degree in museum studies from George Washington University and an undergraduate degree in history from the State University of New York at Geneseo. 420 colour images