RD24 - Report on the 150th Anniversary of the Unveiling of Virginia’s Washington Monument, February 22nd, 2008


Executive Summary:
Pursuant to House Joint Resolution Number 615 of the 2007 Session of the General Assembly, the Capitol Square Preservation Council, in association with the House of Delegates and Senate, is charged to propose a commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the unveiling of the equestrian statue of George Washington on Capitol Square. The original event, held on February 22nd, 1858, was attended by nationally prominent politicians and dignitaries from throughout the region. Music composed for the occasion was premiered during the ceremony.

The anniversary of the unveiling will be commemorated with three components, each with an educational element. On the actual anniversary, February 22nd, a brief ceremony will be held at the monument or, in case of inclement weather, inside the Capitol. The event will feature the music originally composed for the 1858 unveiling, welcoming remarks from the Governor’s Office and from the General Assembly, and a brief history of Virginia’s Washington Monument. Weather permitting, the public will be allowed to tour the monument inside its perimeter fence.

Also on that day, the exhibit Virginia’s Washington Monument will open in the Capitol Extension. This exhibit will focus on the history of the monument, including the unsuccessful entries for its design competition, and how the monument has been used in scholarly and popular culture. The exhibit will be housed primarily in the cases outside House Room 3 and Senate Room 3.

Finally, a full-color brochure, “Full of Strength and Fire”: Virginia’s Washington Monument, will be made available to visitors beginning February 22nd. The brochure will feature images from the Virginia’s Washington Monument exhibit and expanded text.