Friday, December 19 2008

APVA Preservation Virginia is making a change in its operating schedule at three of its historic sites to proactively address the needs of its visitors and challenging economic conditions.

John Marshall House, Richmond Beginning in January 2009, the John Marshall House in Richmond will go to a seasonal schedule. The historic home built by the great Chief Justice in 1790 will close to unscheduled visitation in January, February, November and December. From the beginning of March through the end of October, the site will be available for tours Wednesday through Friday from 11 AM to 3 PM, on Saturdays 10 AM to 5 PM and Sunday 12 PM to 5 PM. Special tours and events will be held monthly.

Scotchtown in Hanover County will adopt an extended weekend schedule, opening Friday and Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM and Sunday from 1 PM to 5 PM for unscheduled visitation when it reopens in March.

Bacon's Castle in Surry County The reduced opening schedule for Bacon's Castle will be released prior to its scheduled reopening in March.

Historic Jamestowne, Jamestown and Old Cape Henry Lighthouse, Virginia Beach —- Operational hours at these two sites will be maintained on the current schedule of 8:30AM to 4:30PM for Historic Jamestowne and 10 AM to 4 PM for the Old Cape Henry Lighthouse. Additional programs and special events will enhance the operations.

Louis Malon, the Director of Preservation Services for APVA notes that "Groups wishing to visit any of these sites during the week may still do so by making a reservation forty eight hours in advance. The Court End Passport ticket will also remain an option for visitors to purchase one ticket that allows access to Valentine Richmond History Center, the Wickham House (1812), the Edward V. Valentine Sculpture Studio, the John Marshall House, and Monumental Church (May - October). Our plan is to closely monitor visitation patterns at the three sites under these new configurations to determine which prove most convenient for our visitors and manageable for our staff. Those results will be released to the preservation community to help other sites in their operational decision making."

"Managing our costs is vital to ensuring that APVA will be able to maintain its mission and impassioned commitment to these historic places. Walk up visitation to historic sites and houses has been in a twenty year decline. This challenging economy, calls for APVA to be flexible, nimble and innovative to ensure we uphold our commitment to the historic sites in our care as well as the commitment to our members. APVA will continue to focus its limited resources by continuing to serve as a conscientious steward of significant historic sites." says Elizabeth Kostelny, Executive Director of APVA Preservation Virginia.

Benjamin Knowles, Information Technology Coordinator for APVA adds he is "committed to consistently offering information to global audiences by accelerating the use of the Internet in sharing the stories of these sites with a broader audience by developing educational podcasts, virtual tours and digital research archives."

Additional contact information for each of APVA's historic sites, membership and opportunities for giving may be found at www.apva.org.

ABOUT APVA PRESERVATION VIRGINIA

APVA Preservation Virginia, a private non-profit organization and statewide historic preservation leader founded in 1889, is dedicated to perpetuating and revitalizing Virginia's cultural, architectural and historic heritage thereby ensuring that historic places are integral parts of the lives of present and future generations. Our mission is directly consistent with and supportive of Article XI of the Constitution of Virginia, benefiting both the Commonwealth and the nation. APVA Preservation Virginia provides leadership, experience, influence, and services to the public and special audiences by saving, managing, and protecting historic places, and developing preservation policy, programs, and strategies with individuals, organizations, and local, state, and national partners.
The mission of APVA Preservation Virginia is to preserve, promote and serve as an advocate for the state’s irreplaceable historic places for cultural, economic and educational benefits of everyone.

Press Contact:
Tina Calhoun
APVA Preservation Virginia
804-648-1889, x 316
tcalhoun@apva.org