A Guide to the Lambert, Benjamin J., Papers MS-0009

A Guide to the

A Collection in
the Archives and Special Collections Department of the L. Douglas Wilder Library
Accession Number MS-0009


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Archives and Special Collections Department, L. Douglas Wilder Library, Virginia Union University

L. Douglas Wilder Library
Virginia Union University
1500 North Lombardy Street
Richmond, Virginia 23220
USA
Phone: (804) 278-4117
Fax: (804) 257-5818
Email: archives@vuu.edu
URL: https://www.vuu.edu/library/archives-special-collections

© 2002 By Virginia Union University. All rights reserved.

Funding: Web version of the finding aid funded in part by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Processed by: Suzanne K. Durham

Repository
Archives and Special Collections Department, L. Douglas Wilder Library, Virginia Union University
Accession number
MS-0009
Title
Sen. Benjamin J. Lambert III Papers 1991-2000
Physical Characteristics
5.5 linear feet
Creator
Sen. Benjamin Lambert III
Language
English

Administrative Information

Access

There are no restrictions.

Use Restrictions

There are no restrictions.

Preferred Citation

Sen. Benjamin J. Lambert III Papers, MS-0009, Archives and Special Collections Department, L. Douglas Wilder Library, Virginia Union University

Acquisition Information

Donated to the department by Sen. Lambert.

Biographical/Historical Information

Born in Henrico County on January 29, 1937, Benjamin Lambert III has been a Virginia state legislator since 1978. He graduated from Virginia Randolph High School in 1955 and Virginia Union University in 1959 with a BA in math. According to the 1959 VUU yearbook, Lambert was class president and a member of the yearbook staff, Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges, the Math Club, band, the Panhellenic Council and Omega PSI PHI fraternity.

Lambert is an optometrist by profession, having graduated from the Massachusetts College of Optometry and attended the Pennsylvania College of Optometry. He belongs to the Virginia Optometric Association, the American Optometric Association, the National Optometric Association and the Richmond Medical Society.

He is married to Carolyn Morris Lambert and they have four children. Lambert is a member of the Westwood Baptist Church.

Lambert was a member of the Virginia House of Delegates from 1978-1985. He has been a senator representing the 9th district since 1986. During his senator career, he has served on numerous committees, including chairing the Subcommittee on Higher Education.

Throughout his career, Lambert has led a very active civic life with service to a number of organizations such as the NAACP, the Richmond Crusade for Voters, the Jackson Ward Civic Association, the Richmond Jaycees and the North Richmond YMCA. As of the year 2000, Lambert was serving on the boards of Consolidated Bank and Trust, Dominion Resources Inc., USA Education Inc., Virginia Union University, VCU Health Systems Authority, Virginia College Fund, Virginia Randolph Foundation, the Black History Museum and the Barksdale Theatre.

Scope and Content Information

This collection consists primarily of Sen. Lambert's Correspondence from constituents and lobby groups during the years 1991-2000. Included with much of the correspondence are fact sheets and reports compiled specifically for consideration by the legislators during the legislative sessions. It provides a window on the issues of the times. In some cases, this correspondence portrays the tragic stories of those "less fortunate" as they provide hearbreaking detail of tragedy and misfortune which the writers hope the passage or voting down of a new piece of legislation will correct.

There is a smaller segment of correspondence from Lambert to his constituents. The collection will continue to grow as Lambert transfers these materials each year to VUU Special Collections from his senate offices.

Arrangement

Arrangement

Collection is arranged by series and chronological therein.

Organization Series 1. Correspondence Series 2. Legislative Reports Series 3. Constituent Ballots Series 4. Fact Sheets Series 5. Miscellaneous Certificates, Awards, Etc Series 6. Schedules

Contents List

Series 1. Correspondence 1991-2000

The correspondence files contain primarily letters from constituents and lobbyists to Sen. Lambert seeking his support for certain legislation or asking him to vote down legislation that would harm their interests.

  • Box 1
    Correspondence 1991-1996
  • Box 2
    Correspondence 1997
  • Box 3
    Correspondence, January-Feb. 1998
  • Box 4
    Correspondence, Feb.-Dec. 1998
  • Box 5
    Correspondence, January 1999
  • Box 6
    Correspondence, Feb. 1-21 1999
  • Box 7
    Correspondence, Jan-Feb. 2000
  • Box 8
    Correspondence, Feb.-April 2000
Series 2. Legislative Reports 1996-2000

These are reports and agendas published by various special interest groups, lobbies and public agencies specifically for the legislators' consideration during a particular session.

  • Box 9
    Legislative Reports 1996-1997
  • Box 10
    Legislative Reports 1996-1997
  • Box 11
    Legislative Reports 1997-1999
  • Box 12
    Legislative Reports 1998-1999
  • Box 13
    Legislative Reports 1999-2000
Series 3. Constituent Ballots 1996-2000

These ballots were submitted on a standardized form with the constituent's name and address, the issue, their position favoring or opposing, and any message.

  • Box 14
    Constituent Ballots 1996-2000
Series 4. Fact Sheets 1996-2000

These are simple, usually one-page documents summarizing the position of a particular group, agency or lobby in regards to an issue before the Legislature.

  • Box 14
    Fact Sheets 1996-2000
Series 5. Miscellaneous 1993-2000
  • Box 14
    Papa John's Gift Certificate
  • Box 14
    Admission Ticket to Governor's Address January 14, 1998
  • Box 14
    Junior Achievement Certificate of Appreciation
  • Box 14
    General Assembly Classic Basketball Flier 2000
  • Box 14
    Architect's Rendering of Maggie Walker High School Renovation
  • Box 14
    Announcement for Surprise Reception for Jane Kusiak
  • Box 14
    Virginia Nurses Association Certificate of Appreciation
  • Box 14
    Lambert's Floor Address Concerning the Governor's Amendments to Senate Bill 584
  • Box 14
    Virginia Council Against Poverty Certificate of Participation in Walk-A-Mile Project
  • Box 14
    Black History Month Certificate of Recognition
  • Box 14
    Tobacco Company Restaurant Executive Dining Member Invitation
  • Box 14
    News Release Concerning Grants for MCV and Richmond Community Action Program
  • Box 14
    Resolutions Noting with Sadness the Passing of Dr. Barrington Bowser, Nina Adady, Jackson Rozier, Jr., Dr. Bonita Settle, Mary Melton Jones and Carroll Saine
  • Box 14
    Courts of Justice Committee Meeting Notifications
Series 5. Schedules 1998-2000

These are small formatted sheets with Sen. Lambert's daily schedules of meetings, receptions, dinners, etc. Some contain handwritten changes or additions.

  • Box 14
    Schedules 1998-2000