Preservation Virginia facts for kids
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| Founded | 1889 |
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| Headquarters | 204 W. Franklin Street, Richmond, Virginia |
| Key people | CEO Elizabeth Kostelny |
| Area served | Commonwealth of Virginia |
| Focus | Historic Preservation |
| Formerly called | Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities; APVA Preservation Virginia; APVA |
| Website | http://www.preservationvirginia.org/ |
Preservation Virginia is a group that works to protect and save important historic places in Virginia. It was started in 1889 as the Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities. It was the very first group in the United States to focus on saving history across an entire state.
In 2003, the group changed its name to APVA Preservation Virginia. This new name showed that they were working on more projects all over Virginia. Then, in 2009, they made the name even shorter to just Preservation Virginia.
Preservation Virginia owns many historic places. These include Historic Jamestowne, which is where the first permanent English settlement in North America was built. They also own the Cape Henry Lighthouse. This lighthouse was one of the first big building projects for the United States government.
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What Preservation Virginia Does
Preservation Virginia has helped save many important historic buildings and items. For example, in 1889, they saved the Powder Magazine in Williamsburg, Virginia. This was many years before the Colonial Williamsburg project began.
Their main goal is to protect Virginia's history. They also want people to understand that history is important for the state's economy. This means that historic places can bring in visitors and help local businesses.
The organization has different branches across Virginia. These branches help Preservation Virginia work all over the state. For example, in Richmond, there is a group called Historic Richmond Foundation. This group joined with Preservation Virginia's William Byrd Branch in 2005.
Preservation Virginia also runs a special program called a "revolving fund." This program helps protect historic properties. They make sure these places are safe before they are sold. The group also holds a yearly meeting about historic preservation.
Since 1994, Preservation Virginia has led a big dig at Jamestown. This project is called Jamestown Rediscovery. Through this work, they have found parts of the original 1607 settlement. This has taught us a lot more about Jamestown's early history.
Saving Historic Properties
Preservation Virginia has had a program to save historic properties since 1989. This program helps protect old buildings in Virginia that might be torn down or badly damaged.
Historic Places You Can Visit
Preservation Virginia looks after several museum sites. These are places where you can learn about history:
- Bacon's Castle: This is the oldest brick house in Virginia. It is located in Surry.
- Cape Henry Lighthouse: This was the first building project approved by President George Washington. It is in Virginia Beach.
- Historic Jamestowne: This is the actual spot where the London Company started its settlement in May 1607.
- John Marshall House: This was the home of Chief Justice of the Supreme Court John Marshall. It is in Richmond.
- Patrick Henry's Scotchtown: This was the home of Patrick Henry in Hanover County. He was a famous revolutionary and Virginia's first Governor.
- Smith's Fort Plantation: This historic site is also in Surry.
- Cole Digges House: Located in Richmond, this house is Preservation Virginia's main office. You can visit it by making an appointment.
- Debtors' Prison: This old prison is in Accomac, Virginia. You can visit it by making an appointment.
Preservation Virginia also helps manage the Warner Hall Graveyard in Gloucester. They also look after the Cub Creek Church site in Charlotte County.
Places They Used to Own
Preservation Virginia has owned and fixed up many historic properties over the years. These places are now museums run by other groups. Some of them are open for visits only at certain times or by appointment.
- Farmers' Bank in Petersburg
- Northampton County Court Green in Eastville, Virginia
- Old Isle of Wight Courthouse in Smithfield
- Old Stone House: This is now part of the Edgar Allan Poe Museum in Richmond.
- Pear Valley in Northampton County
- Smithfield Plantation in Blacksburg
- Thomas Read's Clerk's Office: This is part of the Museum of Charlotte County.
- Walter Reed Birthplace in Belroi, Virginia
Preservation Virginia also used to manage several sites in Fredericksburg. These are now run by Washington Heritage Museums.
- Hugh Mercer Apothecary
- Mary Washington House
- Rising Sun Tavern
- St. James' House
