Virginia Political History Project
The Virginia Political History Project focuses on the rich political history, policy, and political leadership of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Beginning in 1998 with the Center’s founding, the annual Virginia Political History Conference has taken many forms over the decades including multi-day annual summer conferences, many of these conferences also serve as settings for our ongoing PBS series “No Higher Honor” focused on modern-era Virginia governors and landmark events in Virginia history.
To date, the Center for Politics has produced eight related documentaries on Virginia-related topics.
The VPHP also focuses on educating elementary and middle school children on the importance of civic participation through summer camps on the grounds of Montesano, the home of the Center for Politics.
Beginning in 2020, VPHP will host a 2-day summer conference for teachers. This conference will provide K-12 teachers in Virginia with additional tools to teach civics education in their classroom while promoting civil discourse.
20th Virginia Political History Project Virginia's 8 Presidents
Since 1998, the University of Virginia Center for Politics has hosted the annual Virginia Political History Project. This year’s theme is “Virginia’s 8 Presidents.” Each activity is related to at least one of the presidents and there is a themed lunch related to favorite foods of the presidents. Activities will include a hoops and sticks race, meet the Presidents (re-enactors),…
19th Virginia Political History Project Happy 100th Birthday JFK
Since 1998, the University of Virginia Center for Politics has hosted the annual Virginia Political History Project. This year’s theme is “Happy 100th Birthday JFK.” Activities will include the race to the moon, When JFK was elected in 1961, he went to congress and asked to put a man on the moon; a giant obstacle course, JFK believed physical fitness…
Kid Power
The theme was “Kid Power.” Activities included a mock election ; an obstacle course with lessons on the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and Bill of Rights; Bracelet-making as part of a lesson about cultural diversity in the United States; a reading of Alex and the Amazing Lemonade Stand, with a discussion about how one child can make a difference…
Unknown Virginians
The theme was “Prominent People in Virginia History You May Not Know About”. Actors portrayed characters through historical interpretation and some of the actors were U.Va. graduate students from the Drama department.
Out of Order
The event began with a screening of the Emmy award winning documentary Out of Order, which explores partisanship and the growing lack of civility in the U.S Congress. Prof. Larry Sabato moderated a discussion with US Senator Mark Warner (D) and former US Senator John Warner (R), both of whom appear in the documentary.
Living History
The theme was “Living History” for K – 12 students learned about Virginia history in an entertaining and interactive environment. The day featured historic re-enactors covering Jamestown through the 20th century as well as fun activities that include a Virginia trivia booth and making political buttons.