Thursday, March 13 2008

APVA Preservation Virginia is accepting nominations for its 2008 Virginia's Most Endangered Historic Sites list. The list is issued annually to raise awareness of Virginia's historic sites at risk from neglect, deterioration, lack of maintenance, insufficient funds, inappropriate development or insensitive public policy.

Virginia's Most Endangered Sites list has served as a powerful wake-up call since 2000, alerting people to historic treasures in trouble and serving as a catalyst in the effort to save them," said Elizabeth Kostelny, Executive Director of APVA Preservation Virginia. "This list has helped bring valuable attention to some very significant pieces of Virginia's heritage, -- but our work is far from done. Important historic sites are still in danger, and we must continue to protect the places that tell Virginia's story, and ultimately America's story."

The list has brought widespread attention to significant buildings, sites, landscapes and architectural features such as historic wooden windows. At times, that attention has garnered public support to quickly rescue a treasured landmark; while in other instances, it has served as the catalyst of a long battle to save an important piece of Virginia's history.

New Market Battlefield with I81 in the background as it exists today.

Among the many sites that have been listed in the past are: the Interstate 81 Corridor/ Shenandoah Valley, the City of Danville, Cedar Creek Battlefield/Belle Grove Plantation, Fort Monroe, and the Grandma Moses House. Descriptions of all the 2007 Eleven Most Endangered listings can be found here: http://www.apva.org/pressroom/press_release.php?pr_id=46.

To submit a nomination for consideration for the upcoming 2008 Virginia's Most Endangered Historic Sites list go to: http://www.apva.org/calendar/endangered_sites_2008.php. The 2008 list will be announced in May.

APVA Preservation Virginia is a non-profit membership organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the state's irreplaceable historic structures, landscapes, collections, communities and archaeological sites. By our mission, we ensure the vitality of Virginia's distinctive heritage, resulting in cultural, economic and educational benefits for the public. We achieve our mission by providing leadership, expertise, influence, policy, programs and services to the public and special audiences. With headquarters in Richmond, Virginia and 22 branches, APVA Preservation Virginia serves as a resource to those committed to saving historic treasures so vital to preserving Virginia's heritage and ultimately sharing it with the world. For more information visit www.apva.org.

Press Contact:
Tina Calhoun
Director of Marketing and Public Relations
APVA Preservation Virginia
204 West Franklin Street
Richmond, VA 23220
804-648-1889 x. 316
tcalhoun@apva.org