Our Commonwealth: People and Places of Virginia

A rich cultural overview of Virginia which immerses readers in the landscapes, foodways, industries, and people that make up this diverse state.

A sense of place has deeply shaped Virginia's history and culture. Over time, a wide range of communities have formed that help to define the distinctive characteristics of their regions and the state. Their evolution reveals stories as varied as the landscape itself.

Our Commonwealth provides an in-depth journey across the five geographical regions of Virginia--Tidewater Virginia, Northern Virginia, Central Virginia, Shenandoah Valley, and Southwest Virginia--and showcases the experiences of its diverse people.

Mined from collections across the Commonwealth, the objects, letters, diaries, and archival photographs, from each region are arranged thematically in this beautifully illustrated narrative that provides a stirring, and often personal story about the people and the place they call home, shining a fresh light on what makes Virginia, Virginia.