Showcasing the Stories Behind Virginia’s Historic Buildings
April 17, 2026
DGS is expanding our efforts to better tell the stories behind the Commonwealth’s most significant buildings. New display cases—now installed on the third floor of the Patrick Henry Building and outside the Lieutenant Governor’s Suite in the Oliver Hill Building—highlight the history of these structures and the remarkable individuals for whom they are named.
These exhibits offer a deeper look at the legacy embedded in the spaces many people walk through every day. Did you know the Patrick Henry Building once served as the state library? Or that Oliver Hill served as counsel in the Virginia suit that was combined with others in the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education decision declaring mandatory racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional? Sharing these stories helps connect Virginians to the people and events that shaped the Commonwealth.
The next time you are inside one of these buildings, take a moment to explore the displays and discover a piece of Virginia’s history. These new installations would not have been possible without the partnership of the Library of Virginia. A special thank‑you goes to Alicia Starliper, whose expertise helped ensure the narratives are both accurate and engaging—stories that truly deserve to be remembered and shared.