Tuesday, May 6 2008

Who: APVA Preservation Virginia

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.

What: APVA Preservation Virginia is poised to announce this years List of Virginia's Most Endangered Historic Sites on Tuesday, May 13th at 10am on the banks of the James River at Historic Jamestowne. 2008 marks the eighth annual Most Endangered Historic Sites list, a product of the Endangered Sites program. The list is determined annually by a statewide committee overseen by APVA Preservation Virginia.

The purpose of this crucial list is to raise awareness of and build support for threatened historic, archaeological, and cultural resources, which include buildings, structures, districts, cultural landscapes and archaeological sites. Threats to these resources may include but are not limited to neglect, abandonment, urban sprawl and inappropriate zoning.

"Despite a great deal of progress in the preservation movement throughout Virginia, the threat to the Commonwealth's historic resources continues to grow. The sites on this year's list embody the diversity and complexity of Virginia's story, and the variety of threats that endanger it," said Elizabeth Kostelny, Executive Director of APVA Preservation Virginia.

When: Tuesday, May 13th at 10am

Where: Historic Jamestowne, proceed past Jamestown Settlement to Historic Jamestowne, upon arriving to Historic Jamestowne, check in at the Visitors Center front desk and alert the staff you are a member of the press and they will direct you to the press conference site. Parking is available adjacent to the Visitor's Center.

Why? Home of the site of America's birthplace (Historic Jamestowne) and rich with cultural heritage, Virginia has a great deal at stake. Protecting Virginia's unique and special places can call attention to the greater need to include preservation and conservation planning in projects and determinations across the Commonwealth and the nation.

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