Tuesday, April 8 2008

APVA Preservation Virginia joined forces with Delegate Christopher Peace, playing a key role in planning and unveiling the Road to Revolution Heritage Trail premiering this spring. APVA's Louis Malon participated in a consortium comprised of a cooperative alliance of historical associations, non-profit foundations, and other organizations that own and operate historic sites associated with the life and times of Patrick Henry, orator of the American Revolution and first governor of the independent Commonwealth of Virginia. The consortium is responsible for establishing and promoting The Road to Revolution as an educational and heritage tourism trail linking historic sites that highlight and commemorate the American Revolution and Patrick Henry's leading role in liberating Virginia from Colonial rule, creating an independent nation, and shaping American ideals and institutions.

Delegate Christopher Peace states "As a native of Hanover County, I am pleased to contribute to the memory of our first Governor, Patrick Henry, as well as contribute to the joint marketing and economic development efforts of our area. We have a rich heritage and we need to collaborate and find creative opportunities for promoting these valuable resources."

The Road to Revolution Heritage Trail

Eight organizations formed in January 2007 and have met monthly since then. The members of the consortium are: Scotchtown, Hampden-Sydney College, Hanover County, Virginia, Hanover Tavern Foundation, Historic Polegreen Church Foundation, Red Hill -- The Patrick Henry National Memorial, Richmond Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau, and St. John's Church Foundation. In addition to these consortium members, affiliate members include Studley, Rural Plains, Pine Slash, Hanover Courthouse, the Virginia Department of Historic Resources, the National Park Service, Delegate Christopher Peace (97th District), Lythos Studios, Patrick Henry Center for Individual Liberty, the Virginia Department of Historic Resources, APVA Preservation Virginia and the Virginia Tourism Corporation.

A panel of scholars from area institutions such as the Virginia Historical
Society, the Library of Virginia, and Virginia Commonwealth University, along with two independent scholars, provided insight and interpretation of the historic events that occurred in Virginia leading up to and during the American Revolution.

Tina Calhoun, Director of Marketing and Public Relations for APVA states "The Road to Revolution Heritage Trail links these significant historical sites together in a common theme, which is an increasingly important way to promote heritage sites. The economic development and tourism opportunities surrounding this collaboration are profound. Much more can be accomplished by working together than by working alone. Building partnerships is essential, not just because they help develop local support, but also because tourism demands resources that no single organization can supply. Cooperating in a regional arrangement lets APVA Preservation Virginia develop regional themes, pool resources, save money and expand our marketing potential."

The sites that comprise the trail include:


St. John's Church, site of Henry's "give me liberty or give me death" oration;

Red Hill, Henry's last home and burial place;

Hanover Courthouse, where Henry launched his public career;

Polegreen Church, Henry's boyhood church;

Pine Slash, a 300-acre tobacco farm dowried to Henry;

Hanover Tavern, where Henry lived and studied law;

Studley, Henry's birthplace;

Hampden-Sydney College, a college he helped found;

Scotchtown, one of Henry's homes;

and Rural Plains, where Henry married Sarah Shelton in 1754.

Join us on the Road to Revolution, for further information, visit www.roadtorevolution.com.

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