The Commonwealth Assembly
The Commonwealth Assembly
A portrait depicting Patrick Henry in the Virginia House of Burgesses, by Peter F. Rothermel
Welcome to The Commonwealth Assembly of Virginia. Founded in 2002, the Assembly celebrates the legacy of the first representative government in English America and honors the men and women whose ancestors helped shape the earliest foundations of our nation. From the establishment of the Virginia Colony in 1607 through 10 June 1776, these leaders guided the laws, institutions, and civic traditions that would influence the birth of American self‑governance.
Today, the Commonwealth Assembly brings together descendants who share a commitment to preserving this remarkable history. Each April, members gather in Washington, D.C., for our annual meeting—a time of fellowship, reflection, and celebration of Virginia’s enduring contributions to American democracy.
Whether you are exploring your Virginia lineage, passionate about early American heritage, or simply curious about the story of our nation’s beginnings, we invite you to learn more, connect with us, and become part of a community dedicated to keeping this history alive.
We are honored to welcome you—and we look forward to sharing Virginia’s story with you.
The official insignia of the Commonwealth Assembly is the scallop shell, depicted in rose gold on a red grosgrain ribbon.
The Chesapecten Jeffersonius is a significant fossilized scallop shell that represents a crucial part of Virginia’s geological history. It is the official state fossil of Virginia and is known for its distinctive features, such as the number of ribs (9 to 12) and a rounded shell edge. This fossil is an index fossil for the Lower Yorktown Formation, helping geologists date the rock layers where it is found. The shell can reach up to 11 inches across, and its presence is used to determine the Miocene–Pliocene boundary in Virginia. The fossilized shell is commonly found in the exposed sedimentary layers of the Lower Yorktown Formation, particularly along the Coastal Plain cliffs of major southeastern Virginia rivers. The species name, Jeffersonius, was given in 1824 by naturalist Thomas Say in honor of Thomas Jefferson, recognizing Jefferson’s contributions as an early American natural historian.
In 1687, Martin Lister published a drawing of the scallop, making it the first North American fossil illustrated in scientific literature.
Learn more.