May 15, 2009
CONTACT:
Bruce Jamerson (804) 698-1619
Susan Clarke Schaar (804) 698-7400
General Assembly Releases Innovative
New Virtual Tour Website of Virginia’s Historic State Capitol
The Clerks’ Offices of the Virginia House of Delegates and the Senate of Virginia are pleased to announce the release of a state of the art website that brings Virginia’s State Capitol to the citizens of Virginia. The website provides online tours of both the Capitol grounds and the Capitol building. Visitors to this interactive website will have the ability to explore areas on their own or view video presentations. There is also a segment of the website that is accessible for visitors who are visually impaired.
The website presents a wealth of information from three different perspectives. First, from an educational perspective, the website highlights many points of interest that are important for both students and teachers, and includes relevant SOL information. Secondly, the history and architecture of the Capitol building is explored, providing the virtual visitor an extensive look into the fascinating history of Mr. Jefferson’s Capitol. In addition, the website offers a look into the events that occurred during the recent Capitol Restoration and Expansion project.
While touring the Capitol building, visitors will navigate through floor plans of the Capitol to tour the various rooms. While in each room, online visitors can view various artwork and points of interest and learn how the rooms have been utilized throughout the building’s history. Recent restoration efforts and discoveries made during the 2004-07 restoration and expansion of the Capitol Building are also highlighted. Panoramic photographs showcase the history and beauty of Capitol treasures, including the priceless statue of George Washington by Jean-Antoine Houdon, which is the only statue for which Washington posed.
From the Virtual Grounds, visitors can explore Capitol Square using five different maps showing how the Square has evolved over time, from its creation in 1785 to the present. Visitors will be able to view historic photographs of the Capitol building and click on various points of interest to learn many interesting facts about the beautiful and historic Capitol grounds.
The website can be accessed from the Virginia General Assembly homepage, http://legis.virginia.gov.
