| 
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. During the early
years, between 1831 and 1861, the Society
acquired valuable books, manuscripts, museum
objects, and natural history specimens for
its collections. From time to time, it published
the texts of historic documents and the
addresses delivered at its annual meetings.
It was hampered, however, by having virtually
no endowment and no permanent home.
|