What's New

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Biennial Report on Stewardship of State-Owned Properties. In 2006, the General Assembly enacted legislation that calls for DHR to develop two biennial reports, with the option that they might be combined, on the stewardship of state-owned properties. The reports are to include a priority list of the Commonwealth’s most significant state-owned properties that are eligible for, but not designated on, the Virginia Landmarks Register (VLR); a priority list of significant state-owned properties, designated on or eligible for the VLR, which are threatened with the loss of historic integrity or functionality; and take into account other public interest considerations associated with landmark designation and the proper care and maintenance of state-owned property. The 2009 report, submitted (May 1) to the GA and Governor Timothy M. Kaine, is now available for public review. (5-1-2009)

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Ten new historical markers, representing the rich spectrum of Virginia history, have been approved by the Department of Historic Resources. They include a sign to commemorate a community founded by slaves freed by Thomas Jefferson’s cousin, a marker for the oldest active Jewish cemetery in the South, and one to honor the first Confederate officer killed in the Civil War. See the press release to learn more about the markers and read the text of each one.

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Eighteen new historic resources approved for listing in the Virginia Landmarks Register. A Quaker meetinghouse, a Marine Corps general’s quarters, and two country stores that once catered to Chesapeake Bay steamboat passengers are among the 18 new listings recently added to the Virginia Landmarks Register by DHR. Read the press release highlighting each resource.

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Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne on December 4 presented Calder Loth, a senior architectural historian with DHR, the first annual “Secretary of the Interior Historic Preservation Award.” Loth, who has worked with the Department of Historic Resources and its predecessor agency since 1968, received the award during a ceremony at the U.S. Department of Interior’s headquarters in Washington. See the press release.

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Battlefield grants awarded: In what is fast becoming an eleventh-hour battle to preserve some of this nation’s most threatened hallowed ground in Virginia—from Chancellorsville and Cold Harbor to Cedar Creek and Appomattox—the Commonwealth is providing much needed ammunition to frontline organizations defending the state’s Civil War battlefields. Drawing from a $5.2 million arsenal in the form of the Civil War Historic Site Preservation Fund, established by the General Assembly in 2006, DHR is awarding 21 matching grants to save 1,571 acres of land associated with 15 significant battles. The grants, which require a 2-to-1 dollar match in private or federal funds, will save key parcels of land, setting aside acreage that would otherwise be lost in expanding or uniting previously protected battlefield lands for added public benefit and educational opportunities. Preserving these landscapes is crucial to providing today’s visitors and future generations an historical sense of place at sites where Union and Confederate soldiers fought in some of this nation’s bloodiest and most legendary battles. The organizations receiving funds, which include the Civil War Preservation Trust, the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation, Trevilian Station Battlefield Foundation, and the Richmond Battlefield Association, will use the matching grants to either purchase parcels outright or to obtain easement rights on tracts that will remain in private ownership. DHR press release (including list of battlefields) here. (Updated 11-25-08)

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Now available. A Handbook and Resource Guide for Owners of Virginia's Historic Houses. Authored by Camille Agricola Bowman, an architectural historian and technical easement advisor with DHR, this excellent and attractive publication offers valuable information on the proper stewardship of a historic house as well as plenty of additional places to turn for expert guidance on various restoration repairs. It's an indispensible primer for the owner of a historic property. Loaded with color photographs, the is 64-page book is available from DHR for $10.00. (Discounts available for multi-copy orders.) Order form. (Updated 10-22-08)

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Now available: Financial Incentives and Opportunities for Historic Preservation and Archaeology in Virginia: This guide was compiled by DHR's Pam Schenian, an architectural historian and CLG program coordinator in DHR's Tidewater Regional Preservation Office. The 54-page document provides information on preservation funding opportunities that exist from local, state, and national sources. It provides funding options for museums, historic sites, homeowners, neighborhoods, localities, investors, and businesses.  For information on DHR-sponsored or managed funds, visit Incentives & Grants. (Updated 10-8-08)

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DHR’s report on Richmond’s historic “Burial Ground for Negroes” (ca. 1750-1816).  DHR has gathered and assessed evidence about the location and probable condition of the former Richmond free black and slave burial ground known as the "Burial Ground for Negroes." The agency has concluded that the preponderance of evidence from available sources indicates that the Burial Ground and gallows are located under the north and south bound lanes of Interstate 95.  However, a very small portion of the Burial Ground also may intrude upon a parking lot in Shockoe Bottom now owned by Virginia Commonwealth University. DHR also has concluded that the area likely to contain the Burial Ground has not been damaged by the recent construction of I-95, which deposited between 7-10 feet of fill on an area already covered with 8-10 feet of fill deposited since the middle 19th century. However, unknown 19th-century disturbance could have occurred. See the slave burial ground report (PDF). (Updated 8-7-08)

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DHR formulates and identifies its annual and long-range plans and goals through three separate documents, all of which are available to the public:  (1) our preservation plan Putting Virginia's History to Work; (2) our Strategic Plan, recently approved by the Governor; and (3) our Work Plan.  The latter outlines how this agency will implement the first two plans during the current federal fiscal year (October 2008 through September 2009).  If you have queries about these plans, please contact Dr. Catherine Slusser, Deputy Director of DHR, for further information. (updated 12-15-08)

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The new and updated edition of A Guidebook to Virginia's Historical Markers is now available! The book can be purchased through bookstores, this department, or the University of Virginia Press for $19.95. (See this announcement.)

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The updated and redesigned Second Edition of First People: The Early Indians of Virginia (published by the University of Virginia Press in association with the Department of Historic Resources) is now available. This engaging 112-page book, with many illustrations, provides an overview of Virginia Indians, past and present. It's a great introduction to Virginia Indian history, written for general readers and students. It can be ordered  ($12.95, plus $3 shipping) from this department, University of Virginia Press, or your local bookstore.