For some years the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in the Commonwealth of Virginia have been interested in having a bust of George Wythe made and placed in an appropriate area in the Capitol. The General Assembly of 1962, cognizant of the contributions of George Wythe, desired to participate in this undertaking and accordingly adopted Chapter 398, Acts 1962, to accomplish the same.

The General Assembly also adopted Chapter 582 appropriating funds for use in preparing the Wythe Bust.

Pursuant to Chapter 398, the Speaker of the House of Delegates appointed from the membership thereof: Messrs. H. H. Adams, of Eastville, Russell M. Carneal, of Williamsburg, and Lyman C. Harrell, Jr., of Emporia. The President of the Senate appointed from the membership thereof: Messrs. Fred W. Bateman, of Newport News, and Victor P. Wilson, of Hampton.

The Commission met and organized by electing Senator Wilson as Chairman and Mr. Adams Vice-Chairman. John B. Boatwright, Jr. and G. M. Lapsley served as Secretary and Recording Secretary, respectively, to the Commission.

The Commission met with representatives of the Colonial Dames in order to find the extent to which their plans had progressed and how the Commonwealth might assist in furthering this project. It was learned that negotiations were under way with a noted sculptor, to prepare a bust of Wythe. It was further the intention of the Colonial Dames to have appropriate ceremonies in the Capitol at the time the bust was to be placed therein.