HD12 - The Virginia Museum of Natural History in Martinsville

  • Published: 1988
  • Author: General Assembly. Joint Subcommittee
  • Enabling Authority: House Joint Resolution 207 (Regular Session, 1987)

Executive Summary:
The joint subcommittee was charged with assessing the appropriateness of the Virginia Museum of Natural History in Martinsville being designated as the State Museum of Natural History. The subcommittee was also directed to study whether the museum should become a part of state government or should continue to work independently.

The subcommittee held four meetings during the year to examine and study the issues and to formulate their recommendations. One of the meetings included a two-day meeting in Martinsville to tour the museum's facilities and to examine the museum. A public hearing was held at that time to receive testimony from not only the academic and scientific communities of Virginia, but of the entire region. The general public was also given an opportunity to address the joint subcommittee at its public hearing in Martinsville.