Inaugurations at the Virginia State Capitol

Every four years, the inauguration of a new Governor, Lieutenant Governor and Attorney General takes place at an outdoor ceremony during a Joint Assembly of the House of Delegates and State Senate.  From 1982 to 1990, the ceremonies took place on the North Side of the State Capitol.  From 1994 to 2002, and prior to 1982, they took place on the South (Portico) Side.  In 2006, the ceremonies were moved to Williamsburg due to construction at the State Capitol.  On Saturday, January 16, 2010, the inauguration returns to the State Capitol.

On this page are images of official invitations from 2010, 1998, 1990, 1974, 1970, 1962, 1958, 1954 and 1926.  Click here to view program covers.

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What's New		     This page will feature photos, souvenir items and other information from past inaugurations.  Program images are also available.

January 14, 1978

 Inauguration Day 1978

Pictured are:

Former Gov. J. Lindsay Almond (1958-62)

Lt. Gov. Charles S. Robb

Gov. John N. Dalton (1978-82)

Attorney General J. Marshall Coleman (1978-82)

Adjutant General William J. McCadden (in uniform)

The First Lady, Mrs. Eddy Dalton (in red)

Photo © 1978
1962 Inauguration

Governor Harrison

Lt. Governor Godwin

Attorney General Button

January 13, 1962

1962 Invitation

1962 Ceremonies Information Sheet

2010 Invitation (click to view full size)

1962 Admission Ticket

1926 Invitation

Governor Byrd

and Lt. Gov. West

Feb. 1, 1926

Inside (click on images for larger view)

Inaugural Committee List
1998 Invitation

The General Assembly's official invitation for the January 17, 1998 inauguration of Gov. James S. Gilmore, III, Lt. Governor John H. Hager, and Attorney General Mark L. Earley.

January 17, 1998

Related Link

From the Library of Virginia:

Inauguration history

1990 Invitation

The General Assembly's official invitation for the January 13, 1990 inauguration of Gov. L. Douglas Wilder, Lt. Gov. Donald S. Beyer, Jr. and Attorney General Mary Sue Terry.

January 13, 1990

Tickets

1990 and 2002

1986 Invitations

1986 Invitation

1986 Inaugural Ball Invitation
1974 Invitation

January 12, 1974

Governor Mills E. Godwin, Jr.

Lt. Governor John N. Dalton

Attorney General Andrew P. Miller
1970 Inauguration

January 17, 1970

General information and ticket to reviewing stand

(front)

(back)
1970 Invitation

The General Assembly's official invitation for the January 17, 1970 inauguration of Gov. A. Linwood Holton, Lt. Gov. J..Sargeant Reynolds and Attorney General Andrew P. Miller.  Holton was the first Republican governor of the 20th Century.
1958 Invitation

The General Assembly's official invitation for the January 11, 1958 inauguration of Gov. J. Lindsay Almond, Lt. Gov. A.E.S. Stephens and Attorney General Albertis Harrison.

January 11, 1958

1954 Invitation

The General Assembly's official invitation for the January 20, 1954 inauguration of Gov. Thomas B. Stanley and Lt. Gov. A.E.S. Stephens.

 

January 20, 1954
At Right:

1926 Inaugural Address of

Gov. Harry F. Byrd, Sr.

(also see the invite near the top of this page)

 

Below:

1938 Inaugural Address - Gov. James Price