Preservation Virginia

Statewide preservationhistory & mission: the Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities d/b/a Preservation Virginia, a private non-profit organization and statewide historic Preservation leader founded in 1889, is dedicated to inspiring and engaging the public in fostering, supporting and sustaining Virginia's historic places through leadership in advocacy, education, revitalization and stewardship. In pursuing this mission, we envision a future in which people seek a more complete and more inclusive understanding of the past, value the connections between people and places, and support the protection of places where history happened.statewide programs and services: Preservation Virginia's strategic plan's goal is to make a difference by working within the organization and with collaborators and allies to ensure that Virginia's historic places reflect the diversity of perspectives about that history. Through the promotion of model programs and best practices, we seek to support the work of other individuals and organizations to share honest and truthful stories of the past. Through 1) ethical and strategic decision making; 2) ensuring financial sustainability; 3) expanding the knowledge base and 4) through direct action and collaboration with diverse range of partners and allies, Preservation Virginia seeks to increase recognition for the value of history and historic preservation.heritage tourism - Preservation Virginia provides interpretive and educational programming at historic jamestowne, scotchtown, the hanover county home of patrick henry, revolutionary spokesman and first Virginia governor; the home of chief justice john marshall in richmond; bacon's castle, Virginia's oldest datable brick residence in surry; the old cape henry lighthouse, the first federal public works project under president Washington, in Virginia beach; and smith's fort, an 18th century brick structure and separate and adjacent 17th century archaeological site. of the current properties, six are designated as national historic landmarks and other are Virginia or national register properties.sharing resources - along with interpretive programs, Preservation Virginia provides educational offerings for preservation/museum professionals and volunteers, as well as owners of historic properties. Preservation Virginia provides technical assistance to individuals and community groups about materials, techniques and strategies to ensure the Preservation of historic structures, landscapes, archaeological sites and neighborhoods. We sponsor workshops, conferences, webinars and post educational blogs to grow awareness and capacity. We announce an annual list of endangered sites and support communities in their efforts to protect the diversity of Virginia's historic places. Preservation Virginia undertakes economic impact studies of heritage tourism, historic tax credits and other initiatives to help communities make the case for preserving historic places and deploying historic Preservation tools. Our Preservation initiatives department helps local communities develop strategies. With those partners, we form coalitions and networks to grow awareness of solutions that will preserve historic places while allowing for growth. Organization: governed by a volunteer board of trustees, Preservation Virginia is managed by a professional staff based in richmond, at historic jamestowne, and in danville. Preservation Virginia has almost 3000 member households across the commonwealth of Virginia and the nation. In addition, hundreds of volunteers help support properties and educational programs in their communities and on behalf of Preservation virginia.economic & educational benefits: annually, nearly 550,000 individuals participated in Preservation Virginia programs across the commonwealth. This provides economic benefits by supporting Virginia's heritage tourism industry and promoting historic Preservation as an economic driver. Our work with a diverse group of allies helps increase local efforts and impact. A growing statewide education initiative through in-person and virtual programs is reaching tens of thousands of students, lifelong learners, community and elected leaders.revolving fund: in 1999, recognizing Preservation Virginia's special expertise, the general assembly voted to transfer the Virginia historic properties revolving fund to Preservation Virginia expanding our efforts to protect and preserve publicly significant historic properties through acquisition and resale. Since then, Preservation Virginia saved more than 60 historic properties, preserving this historic fabric of communities and returning these structures to a viable economic resource.

Historic jamestownethe first permanent english settlement in north america was at jamestown, Virginia. Preservation Virginia has preserved and interpreted this site since 1893. In 1994, Preservation Virginia began jamestown rediscovery, an archaeoligical project that would find if any remains of the 1607 james fort were still in existance. In anticipation of the 400th anniversary of jamestown's founding in 2007, Preservation Virginia and the national parks service (co-stewards of historic jamestowne since the 1930s) created programs and resources to share more about this important historic site, and its legacy on our modern world. This includes ongoing research, museum and educational facilities, exhibits, and on-line resources. These create a lasting legacy for 2007 and generations to come. Following are key projects at historic jamestowne.public and educational programs: given the enormous appeal and global demand, historic jamestowne will expand its public programs to include: the ongoing jamestown rediscovery archaeological excavation and collections research; the field school; extensive forensic, genealogical and biographical research on the settlers and their families; ongoing publications; documentaries and films; tour programs; educational programs for primary and secondary students and teacher training institutes; resources for graduate students and lifelong learners.endowment for the future: sustainable planning for statewide operations and historic jamestowne: expanding board designated cash reserves and endowment funds is a priority for the statewide program and progress is being made. At historic jamestowne, Preservation Virginia's board created the subsidiary, the jamestowne rediscovery foundation, to undertake the fundraising for the programs, maintenance and other operational elements of the site.