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These articles will help you:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/vines/clematis/pruning-clematis-vines.htm
https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=109

Yes, Clematis Virginians as well as most Clematis are Hardy in zone 3 -8.

As these articles explain, Clematis plants fall into different pruning groups which should be treated differently. Since yours bloom in spring, they most likely fall into Pruning Groups 1 or 2, depending on what month the blooms start, and should only be pruned lightly soon after flowering:

https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=109
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/vines/clematis/pruning-clematis-vines.htm

What do I do about all the dead leaves? This plant blooms in summer. I live in Michigan

Germination is spread out, with some germinating after a few weeks and some taking up to 8 months.

Some clematis species have seeds that require cold stratification before they will germinate. This means you will either plant the seeds in fall so they experience winter cold, or place them in a plastic bag with a moist paper towel and then place that in the refrigerator (in the dark) for two months.

After the stratification period, for seeds you will grow indoors, take them out of the fridge and keep them in a dark, warm place inside the baggy until they start to germinate. Keep the towel moist during this time.

As these articles explain, the best time of year to prune clematis depends on which species you have and which pruning group it falls into:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/vines/clematis/pruning-clematis-vines.htm
http://web.extension.illinois.edu/cfiv/homeowners/090306.html

If you don't know what type you have, you may be able to figure it out based on the characteristics and timing of the blooms, as explained in these articles:
https://extension.psu.edu/plants/gardening/gardening-questions/spring/when-should-i-prune-my-clematis
http://www.clemson.edu/extension/hgic/plants/landscape/groundcovers/hgic1104.html