Norfolk Mace
Norfolk’s
Mace Looking good at 250
April 1,2004 marks the 250th anniversary of the presentation of the Mace to what was then the Borough of Norfolk. To promote awareness of our City's history, the Honorable Paul D. Fraim and members of City Council requested the Mace and its connection to the city be recognized and celebrated.
The City of Norfolk invites you to join us in honoring the anniversary of the Mace and promoting awareness of Norfolk's distinguished and valiant history.
Timeline
April 1, 1754 - The Mace is presented to the Norfolk Common Council by Royal Lt. Governor Robert Dinwiddie.
January 1, 1776 - Norfolk burned on New Year's Day, the Mace lay safely buried at Kemps Landing for its protection.
1790 - The Mace was returned to Norfolk's Clerk of Court.
May 1862 - When Union forces occupied Norfolk, Mayor William Lamb hid the Mace under a hearth in his home at 420 Bute Street. Union troops occupied the home, but the Mace was never discovered.
1881 through1885 - It was kept at the Exchange Bank of Norfolk.
The bank foreclosed and the Mace disappeared.
1894 - Police Chief C. Iredell discovered the Mace among litter in the Norfolk Police station.The Mace was given to the Norfolk National Bank for safekeeping. It was later put on display.
February 16, 1989 - City Clerk Breck Daughtrey, escorted by armed police officers, delivered the Mace to the Chrysler Museum of Art where it remains on public display.
Today - The Mace, a colonial-era symbol of authority bestowed by English royalty, is a precious reminder of and witness to much of Norfolk's nearly 400 year history.
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