Monday, March 2 2009

"This Spring marks an exciting milestone for Preservation Virginia. We celebrate our 120th Anniversary and are also proud to announce the launch of our new branding initiative. We hope to capture the full essence of Preservation Virginia's mission and share the amazing stories entrenched in our statewide historic preservation work with a broader audience." says Elizabeth Kostelny, Executive Director.

The branding initiative includes a transition from APVA Preservation Virginia to Preservation Virginia as the organization's name and the launch of a new logo and web site address, www.preservationvirginia.org. The new logo honors the organizations profound history and success while allowing Preservation Virginia to move forward with an impactful and instantly recognizable brand.

"We are excited to reach new audiences and share the richness of Virginia's historic fabric while extending the opportunity to become involved in the preservation of Virginia's historic places." says Tina Calhoun, Director of Marketing and Public Relations. "Our goal is to create an environment where our preservation friends, from elementary school age children to retirees, can truly connect with the amazing history of Virginia and help us preserve it for the enrichment of future generations."

Founded in 1889 as the Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities, Preservation Virginia holds the extraordinary distinction of being the first statewide nonprofit preservation organization in the nation. In 1889, many of Virginia's historic places were falling into ruin due to neglect and development, Preservation Virginia was founded to save these places and to work with communities to re-purpose these structures and landscapes. Over the years Preservation Virginia has expanded its mission by concentrating on its outreach programs, and advocacy efforts. In this way, the history of the organization reflects the history of the preservation movement nationwide.

Of statewide organizations, Preservation Virginia is a true leader and is well respected by its colleagues from the National Trust for Historic Preservation and sister organizations abroad for its advocacy, in both public policy and direct action to save threatened historic resources.

Virginia has one of the nation's best state preservation programs including the Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit Program and Preservation Virginia's own Revolving fund, noted for successfully saving and preserving forward over 18 properties.

"We intend to build upon the foundation of 120 years of dedication and continue to connect people and resources to ensure the continued vitality of Virginia's historic places." offers Kostelny.

Questions or comments regarding the 2009 Preservation Virginia Branding Initiative may be directed to Tina Calhoun, Director of Marketing & Public Relations, tcalhoun@apva.org.

Want to help? Visit www.preservationvirginia.org for additional information on membership, giving and volunteer opportunities.

About Preservation Virginia

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. 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.

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