In May 1923, a small group of poets, desirous of fostering and stimulating an interest in poetry in the Commonwealth, met in the Chapel of the Wren Building at the College of William and Mary. There they drew up a constitution and bylaws for the organization and named it The Poetry Society of Virginia.

Since then, the Society has – through publications, readings by members and visiting poets, poetry events around the state, contests, workshops, in-school programs, poetry festivals, and other activities – helped to advance the cause and appreciation of poetry throughout Virginia.

The organization is instrumental in assisting the Governor of Virginia with the selection of Poet Laureate. An appointed committee makes recommendations to the organization’s elected President who then forwards nominations to the Governor for his final review and decision.