Monday, December 8 2008

APVA Preservation Virginia has Transferred Stewardship of Historic Lynnhaven House to the City of Virginia Beach. Stewardship of the historic Lynnhaven House and its associated collection of period furnishings and interpretive objects have been transferred from APVA Preservation Virginia, a statewide preservation organization, to the City of Virginia Beach. The APVA recently gave ownership of the Lynnhaven House and its collection to the City of Virginia Beach as a gift, and the city purchased adjacent land through the Open Space Capital Improvement Program.

Historic Lynnhaven House

The family of William W. Oliver Sr. gave the house to APVA in July of 1971. APVA served as a diligent steward for 36 years, funded its exceptional restoration, acquired the collection of furnishings and interpretive objects, placed protective easements on the property, and ultimately saved it for future generations while providing public access to the site near Haygood.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Lynnhaven House serves as a fine example of early Colonial architecture. "By transferring the responsibility locally and to the city, we believe that a stronger network of supporters can be built," said Elizabeth Kostelny, Executive Director of APVA Preservation Virginia. "By incorporating the Lynnhaven House's operations into the existing museum structure of the city, the programs provided at the site are expanded and enhanced and available on a regular schedule. The APVA's goal is to save historic places and ensure their preservation in perpetuity. Often we are stewards for a time, but in this case local stewardship is in the best long-term preservation interests of the house."

The Lynnhaven House is now a part of Virginia Beach's collection of significant historic buildings and has been conclusively dated to 1725, through tree-ring analysis of original timbers. It is one of the oldest brick houses in this area and retains about 75 to 80 percent of its original construction materials.

"The Lynnhaven House is such an important treasure that the city is committed to bringing the property under municipal stewardship to ensure its preservation for future generations," said Lynn Clements, director of the Department of Museums and Historic Preservation.

The city has established a combination ticket for the three historic houses operated by the Department of Museums –- the Lynnhaven House, the Adam Thoroughgood House, and the Francis Land House. The ticket represents a 40 percent savings off the regular admission price and is available at each location. The Lynnhaven House is located at 4409 Wishart Road in Virginia Beach. Call 460-7109 for information about tours and programs.

For further details regarding the legacy of APVA Preservation Virginia, membership and program information visit www.apva.org.

Press Contact:
Tina Calhoun
Director of Marketing & Public Relations
APVA Preservation Virginia
204 West Franklin Street
Richmond, Virginia 23220
804-648-1889, x316
tcalhoun@apva.org