Virginia historian Rick Britton talks with Les Sinclair about what happened today in Virginia history: June 12, 1776: The Virginia Declaration of Rights is ratified by the Fifth Virginia Convention.

The Declaration was adopted unanimously by the Fifth Virginia Convention at Williamsburg, Virginia on June 12, 1776 as a separate document from the Constitution of Virginia which was later adopted on June 29, 1776. A slightly updated version may still be seen in Virginia’s Constitution, making it legally in effect to this day.
Ten articles were initially drafted by George Mason (one of our forgotten Founding Fathers) May 20–26, 1776; three other articles were added in committee, seen in the original draft in the handwriting of Thomas Ludwell Lee, but the author is unknown. James Madison later proposed liberalizing the article on religious freedom.

Tomorrow–Saturday, June 13th at 11 am–join Rick Britton at New Dominion Bookshop on Charlottesville’s downtown mall for the book launch of his latest book: “Virginia Vignettes (Vol. I): Famous Characters & Events in Central Virginia History.” Rick will talk briefly about his work, his approach to writing non-fiction, and will read a few selections. A book signing will follow.

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