VCC Magazine Fall 2018

V irginia C apitol C onnections , F all 2018 22 V RICHMOND — The dream of Dorothy P. Seawell and others came to life Aug. 27 when theVirginia Capitol Police held an opening for an exhibit that paid tribute to the 400th anniversary of the agency. Dorothy Seawell's late husband, Capt. William A. Seawell, served as the chief of the Capitol Police from 1961 until his retirement in 1970, and after he passed away, his widow loaned an extensive collection of his uniforms, papers and other memorabilia to the agency in the hopes of it one day becoming part of an exhibit focusing on the division's history. The exhibit, incorporated research undertaken in recent years by academic interns from Virginia Commonwealth University's History Department, who helped the Capitol Police detail history dating to its formation in 1618 at the first permanent English settlement in Jamestown. The exhibit, curated by the Library of Virginia, also featured custom uniforms from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries as well as three authentic uniforms from the 19th and 20th centuries, two of which were the actual uniforms of Captain Seawell and Colonel Anthony S. Pike, the current chief. Capitol Police also were able to partner with the Virginia Capitol Foundation and Capitol Square Preservation Council to create a holiday ornament that represented the agency's 400th anniversary. The ornament is on display as well in the exhibit, which is to remain in place until the opening of the 2019 General Assembly in January. The exhibit will be open to visitors seven days a week. Visiting hours vary depending on the time of year. For the most up-to-date information, visit http://virginiageneralassembly.gov and click on the “Visiting Capitol” link. Capitol Police Exhibit Opened V