Power of the People: Engaging with American Democracy, Tuesday, June 28, 2022 10:00AM

Item details

Date

Tuesday, June 28, 2022 10:00AM

Name

Power of the People: Engaging with American Democracy

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Description

Join the Library of Virginia and the Virginia Museum of History and Culture to learn more about the development of America’s government! We will gather first at The Virginia Museum of History and Culture to tour the traveling exhibit American Democracy: A Great Leap of Faith. Revolutionary Americans took a great leap of faith by establishing a new government based on the sovereignty of the people. Every generation since continues to face questions ignited by that revolution: who will have the right to vote, what are the freedoms and responsibilities of citizens and leaders, and whose voices will be heard? This is a traveling exhibit developed by the Smithsonian Institution and supplemented with materials from the Virginia Museum of History and Culture. 

After lunch, we will gather back together at the Library of Virginia to do a dive into their exhibit, Your Humble Petitioner: Legislative Petitions Gave Voice to Virginians. Unlike the right to vote, the right to petition was not restricted by class, race, or sex. During the years between the American Revolution and the Civil War, Virginians submitted petitions to the General Assembly to bring local or personal issues to the attention of their legislators. To obtain legal permission to operate a ferry, maintain a tavern, or carry out many other activities, residents of the commonwealth were required to introduce a petition into the House of Delegates to begin the process of acceptance or rejection. Other petitions involved deeply personal issues, such as divorce and requests by emancipated Black people to remain in the Commonwealth, offering a glimpse into the realities of 18th- and 19th-century life. Participants in this workshop will walk away with a greater understanding of content as well as primary sources that can be directly used in the classroom. Participants will also receive a certificate confirming their participation and a recommendation for 5 hours of recertification credit. 

Schedule:

• 10:00-12:00 The Virginia Museum of History and Culture
  • Coffee and free parking provided
• 12:00-1:00 Lunch on your own
  • Participants will be responsible for their own transportation and lunch
• 1:00-3:00 The Library of Virginia
  • Free parking provided

Presented in partnership with the Library of Virginia.

Registration will close at 9:00 am on Monday, June 27th. 

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