Administrative Information

Access Restrictions

There are no restrictions.

Use Restrictions

There are no restrictions.

Preferred Citation

Virginia Conservation Commission, Art Index Project Files, 1870-1961. Accession 37190, State Records Collection, The Library of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia.

Acquisition Information

Transferred from the Virginia Fine Arts Museum, 9 March 2000.

Historical Information

The Art Index Project was formed on January 12, 1937 when a citizens committee including Mr. Wilbur Hall, (Virginia State Librarian) convinced Governor George C. Peery of the importance of documenting Virginia's artistic heritage. The Art Index Project was for a limited term of 18 months with Miss Julia Sully as Director beginning on March 1, 1937. The 18-month trial term was to establish whether or not there was sufficient interest in the documentation and preservation of Virginia's historic and artistic culture. Miss Sully's salary was paid by private donations while her office and supplies were furnished by the state.

In May of 1938 Governor James Price was more than satisfied with the work that was being undertaken and authorized the Art Index Project to continue its work within the Virginia Conservation Commission. According to Miss Sully's summary notes the 1940 Legislative Session budget authorization resulted in the Virginia Art Index Projects movement to the "Department of History and Archaeology" which took place on July 1, 1940. Miss Sully's working title became Junior Historian 1. She continued her work with the Project until January 1942, the date of her last monthly report. Her interest in Virginia historic endeavors continued throughout the years.

The Art Index Project was originally part of the State Commission on Conservation and Development(originally created in 1929) and then the Virginia Conservation Commission created in 1938. The Art Index Project was moved to the Division of History and Archaeology originally created in 1929 within the State Commission on Conservation and Development. The Virginia Conservation Commission eventually evolved into the Dept of Conservation and Development. The final incarnation of legislatively mandated name changes and reorganizations occurred on March 27, 1989 with the creation of the Dept of Historic Resources. The Art Index Project officially ceased operations in January of 1942.

Scope and Content Information

The Julia Sully Subject files document the activities of Miss Julia Sully while serving as director of the Art Index Division. The records include personal family photographs and documentation of various forms of artistic work that emphasize a connection to the people of the Commonwealth. There are samples of family correspondence, postcards received and examples of American and English artistic paintings. The records include monthly reports, photographic samples of artwork and a general statement of purpose for the Art Index Division.

The Newsclippings series includes articles written by Miss Sully and others documenting the cultural interests and activities within the state. The clippings are photocopies from VPA news clip bureau as well as newspapers from throughout the state. Some of the Virginia newspapers featuring articles include the Richmond Times Dispatch, Richmond News Leader, Roanoke Times and the Norfolk Virginian Pilot. There is also a "scrapbook" maintained by Miss Sully of news articles that she authored prior to and while working for the Art Index Project.

Arrangement

Organized into two (2) series: Series I. Julia Sully Subject Files, c. 1870-1955 (Bulk dates 1933-1942); Series II. Newsclippings, 1929-1961.