Join Michael at the Library of Virginia in Richmond, Virginia, to spend four days researching your Virginia ancestors.
Our trip dates are 31 March through 5 April 2025. Registration does not include travel, lodging, or other travel or miscellaneous expenses.
Dates of our trip are:
- 31 March–arrive in Richmond. Orientation and meet and greet at 6:30 p.m. in location to be announced. Library not open.
- 1 April. Overview of facilities given by staff member at 9 am. Remainder of day for library research. Library closes at 5 pm. Consultations with Michael during library time. Optional group dinner at 6. Location to be determined.
- 2 April. Library open from 9 am. until 5 pm. Research during this time in library. Consultations with Michael during library time. Optional group dinner at 6. Location to be determined.
- 3 April. Library open from 9 am. until 5 pm. Research during this time in library. Consultations with Michael during library time. Optional group dinner at 6. Location to be determined.
- 4 April. Library open from 9 am. until 5 pm. Research during this time in library. Consultations with Michael during library time. Optional group dinner at 6. Location to be determined.
- 5 April. Check out of hotel and depart.
Trip includes:
- assistance with pre-trip planning via a group email list–place to ask questions, get help before we leave, etc.
- pre-trip planning sessions via Zoom–date to be determined.
- on-site consultations with Michael–multiple ones if necessary–I’m usually available for onsite consultations at least six/seven hours every day the library is open
- evening Zoom meetings during trip (in place of morning sessions in library)–topics decided based on participant interest
- Travel, meals, lodging, research expenses, etc. are not covered
Other details:
Participants are responsible for their own travel, lodging, meals, etc. This is not a “part of the herd” trip where everyone does everything together every day. We are not having morning presentations (other than an orientation by an LVA staffer on day one) because I do not want to cut into library time as the library’s only open from 9-5. Participants can have multiple research consultations during the trip–our limitation is trying to make certain that everyone gets ample opportunity to ask questions. Our trip atmosphere is laid back.
There will be two online meetings to discuss trip preparation before the trip. Day and time of these to be determined. They will be recorded for those who are unable to attend. Participants are encouraged to communicate with me about their problem as soon as practical. More online zoom meetings can be arranged if it is deemed necessary.
Trip participants will have the greatest opportunity for success if they plan in advance of the trip. This means becoming familiar with the Library of Virginia catalog, the online guides to Virginia materials and sources in general, and the various collection guides to materials housed at the Library of Virginia. This is not a “show up and get started” library trip. Planning is imperative. In some cases, particularly for archival materials, reaching out to the appropriate Library of Virginia staff to make certain materials will be available during our trip (and are not in storage, being digitized, or being preserved, etc.). Participants are encouraged to ask questions and interact via the Google group.
Our group is kept small (no more than 18) to ensure everyone gets the assistance they want and need. We don’t have a full day of “scheduled group social activities” because I simply am not a big fan of them (other than optional group meals–not included in registration). People with a variety of research skill levels join us on our trip–some because they want some guidance their first time at the library, some want some help with their research, and others want the structure of being part of a group. We are flexible.
Participants are encouraged to communicate their problems with me as much before the trip as possible. Pre-planning helps.
Lodging:
We have a group rate at the Commonwealth Hotel in Richmond (www.thecommonwealthsuites.com) with pre-tax rates of around $174 a night (double occupancy possible). It is possible check in a day early or say one additional day at this rate. Rates for additional dates outside this time frame are at the discretion of the hotel and room availability. Valet parking (subject to availability) is available for $33 a day (before tax). Group rate code will be sent to registrants upon payment of the deposit.
Registration:
Total balance of $350 is due by 15 January 2025. Refunds before 15 January are subject to a $100 cancellation fee (unless someone goes in your place). No refunds after 15 January (unless someone goes in your place). Registration options:
- deposit of $125. Email me for alternate payment options
- complete fee of $350 by 15 January 2025. Email me for alternate payment options.
We will follow whatever Covid restrictions the library has in place at the time–if any.
Richmond Tourist information:
