HRAB 01-22-91 Meeting AgendaI Mair l ecL - kS F
COUNTY of FREDERICK
Department of Planning and Development
703/665-5651
FAX 703/667-0370
MEMORANDUM
TO: Historic Resources Board Members
FROM: RCT, Deputy Director
DATE: January 16, 1991
RE: January 22, 1991 Meeting and Agenda
There will be a meeting of the Historic Resources Board Tuesday
January 22, 1991, at 7:30 p.m., in the conference room of the Old
Court House, 9 Court Square, Winchester, Virginia.
Please let me know if you have any questions or are unable to
attend.
AGENDA
1. Continue discussion of draft Historic Area Overlay Zone
regulations.
2. Discussion of methods to develop support for the proposal.
3. Other.
9 Court Square - P.O. Box 601 - Winchester, Virginia - 22601
HRAB Agenda items 1/22/91
1. Staff has refined the draft regulations in response to
discussion at the last meeting. One area which will need
considerable thought is that of tax incentives. Members
expressed an interest in providing some tax incentive for
preservation and or rehabilitation. In order to do this
successfully the assessors office and others should be brought
into the discussion. We may not want to tie the tax incentive
to the overlay zone as there might well be properties outside
of any future historic areas zone where a tax incentive for
rehabilitation efforts would be appropriate.
2. The staff recommends that a the HRAB develop an outline of the
approach to be used in developing and promoting the
preservation effort. The HAO zone regulations which we are
developing may be easier to sell if we can develop a clear
picture of how they will fit into the larger preservation
effort. Strategy number five in the history section of the
Comprehensive Plan (attached) speaks to this approach.
3. Other
HISTORIC AREA OVERLAY ZONE
DRAFT
Jan. 14, 1991
Statement of Intent:
The Historic Area Overlay Zone (HAO) is intended to protect,
enhance, and aid in the perpetuation of especially noteworthy
examples, or elements, of Frederick County's cultural, social,
economic, religious, political, or architectural history in order
to:
a. Maintain and improve property values by providing
incentives for upkeep and rehabilitation;
b. Protect and enhance the County's attractiveness to tourists
and visitors;
c. Provide for the education and general welfare of the people
of the County;
d. Encourage nomination of qualified historic properties to
the State and National Registers.
Procedures for establishing Overlay Boundaries•
HAO zones may be created by amending the Zoning Ordinance as
provided for in Article 2, section 6 of the Zoning Ordinance.
The Historic Resources Advisory Board (HRAB) may propose to
the Planning Commission and/or the Board of Supervisors
amendments, including the establishment of HAO zones and the
revision of existing HAO zones. The HRAB shall submit a
report to support the proposed amendment. The report shall
establish and define the historic district boundaries as well
as the historic and/or architectural significance of the
buildings, structures, or sites to be protected; and describe
current planning, present trends, conditions, and public
objectives for preservation.
Any area to be designated as an HAO zone shall in fact include
landmarks, buildings, structures, or sites determined to be
of historical and/or architectural significance. All stated
recommendations of the HRAB which supplement or modify the
general regulations of this article shall be adopted by
reference and applied to the zone created.
HISTORIC AREAS OVERLAY ZONE page 2
Criteria for determining historic significance•
The significance of a historic area shall be based on
architectural aesthetics as well as historical factors and
shall be documented in a written report. Certain buildings
or areas, although not associated with an historic person or
event, may be valuable examples of the County's history.
The report shall include discussion of the following:
A. Architectural Style:
How well does the structure exemplify the distinguishing
characteristics of a recognized style.
1. significance of architectural design
2. scale and/or interrelationship of structures and/or
environmental features
3. significant patterns of development
4. quality of workmanship
5. amount of surviving original material
6. original location and/or use
7. remaining outbuildings or dependencies
8. surrounding environment, gardens, landscaping, walks
9. overall aesthetic quality
10. original integrity of the structure and its details
B. Historic and/or Cultural Significance:
1. association with historic person
2. association with historic events
3. work of leading architect or master craftsman
4. site or structure of cultural significance
In addition, surviving building types and structures not
historic in themselves but adding to the character of an
historic area need to be looked at as potentially
deserving preservation.
C. Additional Information:
1. a description of existing structures and uses likely
to have an adverse effect on the character of the
district, including those near and visually related to
the district, with maps, photographs, and other data
indicating the reasons for such an effect.
2. an analysis of lands not occupied by structures,
including lands near and visually related to the
district. For public lands, ownership, use, and location
shall be indicated. For private lands, assessed
valuation shall be added as well as existing zoning and
planned land use.
HISTORIC AREAS OVERLAY ZONE page 3
3. recommendations concerning detailed regulations to be
applied to the historic area under consideration for the
purpose of preventing changes which are incompatible with
the buildings, structures or sites to be preserved. Such
regulations may include permitted and prohibited
principal and accessory uses and structures, minimum lot
and yard requirements, maximum lot coverage by all
buildings, maximum height of structures, off-street
parking and loading requirements, control of signs and
exterior illumination and the control of integral facade
changes to existing buildings.
Historic Area Overlay Regulations:
Within the Historic Area Overlay Zone, the following regulations
shall apply:
1. New construction, reconstruction and exterior alterations
No building or structure, including signs, shall be
erected, reconstructed, restored or substantially altered
in exterior appearance unless the HRAB approves of the
proposed activity's compatibility with the historic,
cultural, and/or architectural aspects of the landmark.
2. Matters to be considered in passing upon the
Appropriateness of Construction Reconstruction or exterior
alteration of buildings or structures by the HRAB: The HRAB
shall not consider interior alterations and shall only impose
restrictions for the purpose of preventing development
incompatible with the historic aspects of the area.
The HRAB shall consider the following in evaluating the
appropriateness of architectural features:
- Exterior Architecture;
- General design, scale,
- Texture and materials;
- The relationship of
structures.
arrangement and massing;
the above to surrounding
HISTORIC AREAS OVERLAY ZONE page 4
3. Demolition: No building or structure within any HAO zone
shall be demolished, removed, or substantially altered in
exterior architectural features or appearance, including the
placement of signs, until a Certificate of Approval is issued
by the HRAB.
4. Matters to be considered in determining whether to grant
a permit for razing or demolition: The HRAB shall consider
any and all of the following criteria:
- Would the removal be detrimental to the public
interest?
- Could the building only be reproduced at great expense
or difficulty due to its unique or unusual texture,
material or design?
- Would denial of the permit result in the preservation
of a historic place in Frederick County?
5. Offer for Sale: The owner of a building or structure in
a historic district shall, by right, be entitled to demolish
same provided that:
- He has applied for a demolition permit.
- Made a bona fide offer to sell at a price reasonably
related to its fair market value as determined by an
independent appraisal.
6. Time schedule for Offer of Sale:
- Two months when the asking price is less than $25,000.
- Four months when the asking price is between $25,000
and $50,000.
- Six months when the asking price is over $501000.
7. Hazardous Buildings or structures: can be demolished
without consideration by HRAB with written approval of the
Zoning Administrator stating the conditions which justify the
demolition.
8. Moving or Relocation: No officially designated historic
landmark, building, or structure within a district shall be
removed or relocated if the move would be detrimental to the
public interest or the historic integrity of the structure
unless approved by the HRAB.
HISTORIC AREAS OVERLAY ZONE page 5
9. Uses permitted: Within the Historic Area Overlay, general
regulations and permitted uses shall be the same as provided
within the respective underlying zoning districts except where
such regulations are modified or amended by recommendation of
the HRAB and adoption of the Board of Supervisors.
10. Exceptions: Where the strict interpretation of these
regulations creates an undue hardship, the HRAB may make
recommendations for reasonable exemptive relief.
Administration:
1. Zoning Administrator: The County Zoning Administrator
shall not authorize a permit for any erection,
reconstruction, integral exterior facade change,
demolition or razing of a building or structure in the
HAO until the same has been approved and a certificate
of appropriateness issued by the HRAB, following the
procedures set forth below.
2. Upon receipt of an application for such a permit in the
historic district, the Zoning Administrator shall follow
the procedures below:
A. A copy of the application for such a permit,
together with a copy of the site plan and the
building plans and specifications filed by the
applicant shall be forwarded to the HRAB.
B. A file of all such applications and related
materials shall be maintained.
3. Materials to be Submitted for Review: Twelve copies of
all materials prepared in relation to the application
shall be submitted by the applicant. The Zoning
Administrator or the HRAB may require submission of any
or all of the following: architectural plans, site plans,
landscaping plans, design for proposed signs with
appropriate detail as to character, proposed exterior
lighting arrangements, elevations of all portions of
structure with important relationships to public view
(with indications as to visual construction materials,
design of doors and windows and relationships to
adjoining structures), and such other exhibits and
reports as are necessary for these determinations.
HISTORIC AREAS OVERLAY ZONE page 6
4. Fees: The Board of Supervisors shall establish a
schedule of fees for the submission and review of an
application for a certificate of appropriateness.
5. Other Approvals Required: In any case in which an
applicant's proposal also requires the approval of the
BZA, approval by the BZA shall be obtained prior to
action by the HRAB.
6. Action of the Historic Resources Advisory Board• The
HRAB shall return in writing, within ninety (90) days
after submission of the application, its decision
concerning granting a certificate of appropriateness for
the erection, reconstruction, significant exterior
alteration, restoration, razing or demolition, or
relocation of all or part of any building within the HAO
zone.
If the HRAB approves an application, it shall authorize
the Zoning Administrator to issue a permit for the work
specified in said application. If the HRAB disapproves,
it shall state the reasons and a written copy shall be
forwarded to the applicant and the Zoning Administrator
shall disapprove the application for the required permit.
The applicant may appeal the disapproval to the Board of
Supervisors. The disapproval shall indicate what changes
in the plans and specifications would enable the proposal
to meet the conditions for protecting and preserving the
historical character of the HAO. If the applicant
determines that he will make the suggested changes, he
shall so advise the HRAB which shall act accordingly.
In the case of disapproval, the application shall not be
resubmitted for consideration until twelve (12) months
have elapsed from the date of disapproval unless the
indicated changes in plans and specifications required
to meet the conditions for protecting the HAD have been
incorporated into the reapplication.
EXCERPT FROM HISTORY SECTION OF COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Goal - Protect the historic resources in Frederick County.
Strategy 1 - Inventory and designate historic sites and districts
in the County.
Strategy 2 - Study and adopt methods to preserve historic
resources.
Strategy 3 - Incorporate historic resources in efforts to promote
tourism.
Strategy 4 - Carefully consider the impacts of land use,
development and facility decisions on historic resources.
Strategy 5 - Develop a comprehensive approach to historic
preservation which will result in a system of sites and
battlefields dedicated or protected in a coordinated fashion.
Strategy ! - Establish an historic resources education program
aimed at increasing the publics awareness of the abundance of
significant historic sites in the County.
Implementation Methods:
1. Undertake a complete investigation, documentation,
evaluation, and recognition of historic sites. Continue
efforts to receive State funding for survey work. Recognize
sites with a process of plaques and signs. Identify those
which may be eligible for the State and National register and
assist in the preparation and submission of nominations.
2. Continue to use the Historic Resources Advisory Committee
to assist the County with information and recommendations on
historic resources. Carefully consider the impacts of
decisions concerning land use, roads, utilities, and
facilities on historic resources.
3. Develop techniques for protecting and enhancing historic
resources including the designations of local historic
districts, zoning methods, impact analysis, and voluntary
methods such as conservation easements and tax incentives for
rehabilitation efforts. Develop a method for notifying owners
of abandoned historic property of the significance of their
property and urge them to maintain it. Strong support should
be given to private initiatives such as voluntary compliance
with the Secretary of the Interiors Standards for
Rehabilitation.
4. Develop clear standards for the creation and regulation of
historic districts which provide fair and effective means of
protection as well as give design guidance. Pursue
designation as Certified Local Government for Frederick
County.
5. Include concerns for historic preservation and tourism in
economic development strategies. Promote the concept of an
Historic Weekend consisting of reenactments, tours, exhibits
and other activities. Maintain a list and map of historic
sites throughout the County. Develop brochures which list
sites of interest and show locations.
6. Use the dedication of land and historic districts to
develop a comprehensive system for historic site preservation.
Utilize the system of battlefield memorials and districts to
promote education and tourism. Establish a set of guidelines
to assist applicants for rezoning.
7. Develop a series of educational slide presentations, and
lectures to promote historic preservation. Create a document
to guide builders and others interested in preservation
regulations.
8. Pursue Scenic Highway and Byway designation of roads in
rural Frederick County.
TRUSTEES
David J. Brown, Chairman
Staunton
Patricia L. Zontine. Vice Chairman
Winchester
Kevin J. Burke
Reston
Francis M. Foster, Sr.
Richmond
Robert B. Lambeth. Jr.
Bedford
Anne R. Worrell
Charlottesville
Eddie N. Moore, Jr., State Treasurer
Richmond
Hugh C. Miller, Executive Secretary
COMMONWEALTH ®f VIRGINIA
December 1990
Dear Friends:
Department of Historic Resources
HISTORIC PRESER VA TION FO UNDA TION
221 Governor Street
Richmond, Virginia 23219
Telephone (904) 7863143
FAX (804) 225-4261
Hugh C. Miller, Director
The Virginia Historic Preservation Foundation -- the
Commonwealth's preservation revolving fund -- has had an active
first year since our founding in July of 1989 and organization in
the fall of that year. I wanted to tell you of our activities
and goals and use this letter as well to encourage your
participation in our work.
You will remember that the revolving fund was established by the
Virginia General Assembly out of the recommendations of the
Governor's Commission to Study Historic Preservation. We began
work in 1989 with $500,000, and after some additions and
subsequent cuts from our funding, we currently stand with
approximately $415,000 in available cash in addition to property
which the Foundation has acquired.
After work in the fall of 1989 to set goals for the Foundation,
the Trustees began to study appropriate property for acquisition,
protection, and resale. You will recall that it is our mission
to acquire threatened historic properties listed on the Virginia
Landmarks Register, protect those landmarks with the addition of
preservation easements, and then resell them to another private
property owner who will oversee the restoration of the building
or site.
Earlier this year, the Foundation acquired its first property --
the historic Gordon House in Lynchburg's Federal Hill historic
district. We have since been given a second house in this
neighborhood and we are currently negotiating the purchase of
three other properties in Virginia. As you can see, our
revolving fund has been active over our first year of operation.
a tZ:
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December 1990
Page Two
However, we would like to become even more involved with
additional properties -- and preservation groups -- throughout
Virginia. We need the help of Virginia's historic preservation
organizations!
If you have a property that might be a candidate for acquisition
and protection by the Foundation, we encourage you to contact our
staff -- Executive Secretary Hugh Miller -- at the Virginia
Department of Historic Resources. By providing us with
photographs and detailed information about the history of the
property, the nature of the threat, the acquisition and
stabilization costs, zoning requirements, and related questions,
we can move quickly to determine our interest in the property.
That information should be sent to Hugh. C. Miller, FAIA, 221
Governor Street, Richmond, VA 23219.
We would also encourage you to work with local bankers and
attorneys to identify threatened properties in your community
that might be good candidates for donations to the Foundation.
Many properties at risk could be protected if a sympathetic owner
were identified. A donation to the Foundation by a bank that has
foreclosed or by an owner uninterested in the continued
maintenance of the property could have important tax consequences
of benefit to those individuals. As I've noted above, we have
already received one donation and are working on others.
Enclosed you will find a copy of our brochure, which gives you
some basic information on the Historic Preservation Foundation.
If you have any questions, feel free to call me at (804) 979-3899
or Hugh Miller at (804) 786-3143. I hope that we can work
together to help save Virginia's threatened resources.
Sincerely,
.C�art�zq�
David J. Brown
Chairman
Enclosures
r
PRESERVATION ALLIANCE OF VIRGINIA
P.O. Box 295 Charlottesville, Virginia 22902 (804) 979-3899
Virginia Preservation update
- -
January 1, 1991
Dear Alliance Member:
We wish each of you a happy
1991! The new year also brings
the short session of the
Virginia General Assembly, so
this update will focus on public
Policy issues of importance to
preservationists in the
Commonwealth.
FIRST PUBLIC POLICY WORKSHOP A
SUCCESS - Some thirty preser-
vationists from across the state
came to Richmond on December 7th
to discuss the public policy
process for preservation. All
of the speakers were excellent,
an update on the Governors
transportation study was
provided by VDOT and Natural
Resources officials, and the day
ended with a tour of legislative
offices.
Public Policy chairman Charlotte
Hawes, who has many years of
experience with the General
Assembly as both a legislative
aide and lobbyist, prepared an
extensive and excellent public
policy handbook to supplement
the workshop. Any member or
member organization with an
interest in preservation policy
would benefit from this infor-
mative book. Copies are avail-
able for $15 (plus $2 for post-
age and handling) from the
Preservation Alliance. To
receive this 50 page booklet,
simply fill in the form below
and mail it, with your check, to
the office. Information is
included on state lobbying
regulations, legislative
committees, the legislative
process, preservation policy
issues, and the membership of
the General Assembly.
And since we often think of the
Vol. 4, No. 1
IRS around the first of the
year, the Alliance has copies of
an article on IRS regulations
explaining how much mcney non-
profit organizations may spend
to support or oppose
legislation. Check the form
below if you would like a copy
of this article as well.
LEGISLATIVE RECEPTION SET FOR
FEBRUARY - Our annual -- and
growing -- legislative reception
for Alliance members and
legislators from the Virginia
General Assembly is set for
Tuesday evening, February 5th,
from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the
Woman's Club in Richmond.
Invitations will be mailed the
first of next week.
From past experience we haver.
found that legislators are more
likely to come to our reception
if they are called by a local
constituent. If you plan to
attend, please call your local
delegate and senator, tell them
You will be at our reception,
and ask them to come and meet
you that evening. Each delegate
and senator receives a compli-
mentary invitation, but your
Personal call makes all the
difference. In years past, over
200 guests (including the
Governor, Lt. Governor, Attor-
ney General, and Cabinet secre-
taries) have attended these
receptions, so make plans early
to attend!
PRESERVATION LEGISLATION - As we
have outlined in previous
updates and newsletters, we
believe that this legislative
session will focus on budgetary
and redistricting issues,
little time fo,V a I
a�� I
JAN $!.
C
January 1991
Page Two
such as preservation and the
environment.` -However, we will
be focusing on legislation
concerning transferable
development rights (the TDR
committee of the General
Assembly is planning to
introduce a bill), impact fees,
historic district zoning changes
(if any), proposals to weaken
the Chesapeake Bay Act, and
budgetary amendments for
preservation. We have written
information on most of these
issues for members that are
interested. Charlotte Hawes
will be coordinating our
monitoring of the Assembly,
working with the Alliance's
public policy committee. And
this year for the first time we
will also have access to the
legislative computer service,
thanks to the generous assis-
tance of the Piedmont Environ-
mental Council office. Look for
our legislative updates over the
next two months, and be prepared
to become involved in the public
policy process for preservation!
SHA CONFERENCE TO BRING
ARCHAEOLOGISTS..TO_VIRGINIA - The
annual conference of the Society
for Historical Archaeology will
be held in Richmond on January
9-13, 1991. Pre -registration
for the event is been very good,
and the sessions promise to be
interesting and informative to
all those interested in
archaeology. A special event
planned for the general public
will be a Saturday afternoon
session entitled "Monuments of
Earth, Rust, and Blood: Why we
need to save and study the
archaeological remains of the
American Civil War." Speakers
at that session include Dr. Gary
Gallagher, president of the
Association for the Preservation
of Civil War Sites; David Orr, --
archaeologist with the National
Park Service; and Edwin C.
Bearss, NPS Chief Historian (and
a featured participant on the
recent PBS Civil War series).
To register for any of the
sessions or to obtain additional
information, contact Mark
Wittkofski at the Department of
Historic Resources (804) 786-
3143 in Richmond.
Again, best wishes for a Happy
New Year, and I look forward to
seeing you at the preservation
reception on the 5th of
February.
David J. Brown
Executive Director
Please send me _ copy of
the Politics of Preservation
workbook at $17 per copy.
Also, send me _ copy of the
article on IRS lobbying
regulations (free of charge).
Total Enclosed: _$
Name
Address
City/State/Zip
Telephone
Mail to: Preservation
Alliance of VA, P.O. Box
295, Charlottesville, VA
22902
Member Organisations of the Alliance are encouraged to make copies of
Virginia Preservation Update for distribution to staff and board members.
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Kris Tierney
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P.O. BOX 601
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Winchester VA 22601
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Permit No. 10
19
VIRGINIA
PRESERVATION
The Newsletter of the
s7f:11L
i
PRESERVATION ALLIANCE OF VIRGINIA
December 1990
The Samuel Harshbarger House in Roanoke. Preservation efforts in the Roanoke Valley
were showcased by the Alliance during October. See story on page two.
Preservationists Haii
Governor's Call for
Transportation Study
Governor Wilder's call for a study of
transportation and preservation issues
in the Commonwealth received imme-
diate support from Virginia's preserva-
tion community.
At its October quarterly meeting held
in Roanoke, the Board of Trustees of
the Preservation Alliance of Virginia
approved a resolution welcoming the
study, which Wilder had announced the
day before at a transportation confer-
ence in Lexington.
"We are extremely pleased that the
Wilder administration has taken this
stand to study the effects of transporta-
tion projects on Virginia's irreplacea-
ble historic resources," noted S. Allen
Chambers, Jr., president of the Preser-
vation Alliance. "In recent years, the
Alliance has been in almost constant
contact with both the Department of
Transportation and the Department of
Historic Resources about various trans-
portation projects that have a detrimen-
tal impact on Virginia's historic build-
ings and sites. With this study," Cham-
bers added, "we envision an improved
method of ensuring that these resources
are considered earlier in the planning
and development process."
At the Lexington conference, Gover-
nor Wilder announced that he had di-
rected Transportation Secretary John
Milliken and Natural Resources Secre-
tary Elizabeth Haskell to develop within
two months a plan for better agency
cooperation to improve transportation
while protecting the environment and
historic resources.
Preservationists have long called for
such a study, and a 1988 gubernatorial
study commission on preservation poin-
ted to the problems with the existing
review system for state -funded trans-
portation projects.
"This move by Governor Wilder will
help advance the cause of preservation,"
noted David Brown, Executive Direc-
tor of the Alliance. `By considering such
items as a statewide preservation blue-
print, the Governor's call for action
takes steps that have long been recom-
mended by the preservation commu-
nity. We are pleased with his concern
and support for preservation when con-
sidering Virginia's transportation
needs," added Brown.
Following the Governor's action, the
Alliance has been in touch with Secre-
tary Haskell concerning this study, and
the office has forwarded information
on the needs in relation to preservation
projects. Alliance member organiza-
tions are also encouraged to contact
the Cabinet secretary about issues of
importance at the local level. Secretar-
ies Haskell and Milliken have now met
with the appropriate department heads,
(continued on page 5)
Inside Thh due
Page 2 - An update on preservation
legislation at the state and
federal levels
Page 2 VCU announces that it will
withdraw plans to expand
into the Oregon Hill histor-
ic district
Page 3 - VDHR prepares for the
meeting of the Society for,
Historical Archaeology
Page 4 - Preservation field'school is
announced
Page 6 - A look at the Museum'of
American Frontier Cul-
ture in Staunton
Page 8 -A new preservation group
forms in Fairfax County
44' Vvy
HOLIDAYS!
LEGISLATIVE UPATE
In Virginia - As noted on page one of this issue, Governor L. Douglas Wilder
has called for a study of the review system for transportation projects in
Virginia. The study, which is to consider both environmental and historic
resources, is due for completion by December 31, 1990 .... In looking ahead to
the 1991 General Assembly session, bills of interest to preservation and
conservation groups that might be introduced include: legislation to amend
the Chesapeake Bay Protection Act, revisions to the historic district enabling
legislation to deal with demolition issues, resolutions to authorize the
reservation of right of way for one or both bypasses around Washington, DC,
transferable development rights legislation, and vesting legislation to restrict
land management tools. Legislative Updates from the Preservation Alliance
will keep our members informed on these and other issues during the session.
At the Federal Level - On Tuesday, October 23rd, after nearly six hours of
debate, the Senate defeated an amendment to the Interior Appropriations
Bill by Senator Wyche Fowler that would have, among other things, increased
federal funding for historic preservation. Many preservationists contacted
Virginia's senators about this issue, and Senator Charles Robb voted in favor
of the Fowler Amendment.... Congress recently passed a bill to create a
commission to formulate a policy for protecting Civil War battlefield sites.
The bill, which was approved at the end of the Congressional session, requires
the commission to identify and rank all Civil War battlefields and make
recommendations on how to preserve key sites. Also included is a specific
study of battlefields in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley, where there are currently
no national battlefields. Virginia Senators Charles Robb and John Warner
and Congressmen James Olin and French Slaughter were involved in the
development of this legislation.
Roanoke Preservation
Showcased to
Alliance Members
Preservation activities in the Roanoke
Valley region were showcased the week-
end of October 26-27 during the Alli-
ance Board of Trustees' quarterly meet-
ing. Beginning on Friday morning, Trus-
tees arrived at the Roanoke Regional
Office of the Virginia Department of
Historic Resources for committee meet-
ings and a tour of the regional office
facilities. Regional office Director John
Kern and his staff met with the Trustees.
A luncheon for the group was held at
the Samuel Harshbarger House. This
recently restored home dates from 1797
and is a beautiful stone and brick struc-
ture. The owners, Ed and Delores Tru-
ett, recently received a cherry cupboard
from the Harshbarger family that was
original to the house.
After welcoming remarks from As-
sistant City Manager Earl Reynolds of
Roanoke, the Board approved a resolu-
tion applauding Governor Wilder's call
for a study of transportation/preserva-
tion projects, heard staff and board re-
ports on the upcoming Route 5 study,
made plans for the upcoming Spring
Preservation Workshops in Leesburg,
discussed the state budget cuts for pres-
ervation, and heard a presentation on
the work of the Roanoke Regional Of-
fice. A walking tour of preservation pro-
jects in downtown Roanoke followed
the Trustees meeting.
Friday evening, some 75 preserva-
tionists from the Roanoke region joined
the board at a fundraising reception for
the Alliance at MarketPlace Center, a
restored commercial block in the heart
of downtown Roanoke. Special guests
included Mrs. James Olin, wife of 6th
District Congressman Jim Olin, and
State Senator and Mrs. Madison Marye.
Trustees Martha Boxley and Charlotte
Hawes served as chairmen for the event.
On Saturday, 35 members of archi-
tectural review boards from central and
western Virginia attended the Alliance's
ARB workshop on design and adminis-
tration. Speakers at the session included
architect Joseph Dye Lahendro; Trus-
tees Kathleen Frazier, Ray Lupold, and
Martha Boxley; Alliance ARB staff
member Al Cox; Roanoke Regional Of-
fice architectural historian Dan Pez-
zoni; and Roanoke City Planner Evelyn
Gunter, who also handled the arrange-
ments for the day. The participants
reviewed case studies from Roanoke
and discussed appropriate administra-
tive procedures for boards of architec-
tural review.
VCU Withdraws
Expansion Plan
Virginia Commonwealth University
announced in November that it would
withdraw its controversial master pial,
that called for expansion into the his-
toric Oregon Hill neighborhood in Ric i -
mond. School president Dr. Eugene F.
Trani made the announcement, which
was greeted with support from stag
leaders, the media, and preservationists.
In a news conference, Dr. Trani said
that the university would "let everything
sit" long enough for emotions to cot:-:
down before the school began the pr(, -
cess of finding a way to expand tiz-
campus. Dr. Trani noted that to expanu:,
the school "must involve the communitv
and earn its support."
Kelley Lane, vice president of flit
Save Oregon Hill Organization, said tha,
he was "extremely pleased" with VCL''s
decision.
The controversial master plan had
drawn fire since its unveiling in 1959.
Recently, the Virginia Department of
Historic Resources had led state agen-
cies in calling for changes to the master
plan to protect Oregon Hill. This earlx
call for preservation by VDHR was
followed by a recommendation agains_
the plan by the Council on the Envi-
ronment. The chairman of the state':
Art and Architectural Review Boar:
noted that the plan "lacked vision, heart,
and soul."
Preservation Alliance Trustee Ray 11
Lupold, 111, spoke on behalf of the
Alliance at the Art and Architectural.
Review Board session to review the
plan. There he repeated the Alliance's
position that the plan would have a
detrimental effect on a historic district
of importance to Richmond and that
the proposals should be modified. The
Alliance has also pointed to the need
for earlier review of state -funded pro-
jects by VDHR and affected neighbor-
hoods.
In an editorial on Dr. Trani's decision,
the Richmond Times -Dispatch called
the move a wise decision that would
allow for the review process to work as
it should.
All material in this newsletter has been copyriKhica
however, Alliance member organizations are encour-
aged to reprint any of lhesearticles. Specific perrnissm.,.
is not required, but please give credit to Virginia
Preservation, the newsletter of the Preservatiur:
Alliance of Virginia. Information for Virginia Preser-
vation should be sent to the Preservation Alliance iii
Virginia, Inc., P.O. Box 295, Charlottesville, VA 22902
(804) 979-3899. FAX Number (804) 979-392.5. 7h,-
newsletter
Arnewsletter is issued in March, June, September. and
December
4
Public Meetings Focus
on Districts
The Department of Historic Resour-
ces has held several public forums this
fall inviting public comments and mak-
ing general presentations on proposed
historic districts. These meetings were
held in the proposed districts to encour-
age as many residents as possible to
attend.
In early October, a well attended
public information meeting was held in
King George County to discuss a pro-
posed rural historic district in the Port
Royal area. More than 50 people gath-
ered to hear a presentation by Timothy
Keller of Land and Community Associ-
ates on a large rural district on both
sides of the Rappahannock River that
will include both architectural and arch-
aeological resources.
On December 4, a meeting was held
at Leigh Street Baptist Church for the
Upper Church Hill Historic District. A
formal public hearing on both of these
proposals will be scheduled at a later
date when the completed nomination
forms are ready for presentation to the
State Review Board and the Historic
Resources Board for formal consider-
ation.
The Oregon Hill Historic District was
the subject of a formal public hearing at
the William Byrd Community Center in
Oregon Hill on November 28. Oregon
Hill, located just to the east of Belvidere
Street (U. S. 1 and 301) in Richmond, is
an early 19th -century working-class
neighborhood with a remarkably intact
architectural fabric. The Save Oregon
Hill Organization through its Com-
munity History Association has been
working for several years to complete
the work required fora National Register
nomination. The completed nomination
will be presented to the Department's
Boards at their December 11 meetings.
New Publication Provides
Information on Easements
The Department of Historic Resour-
ces has published a new informational
booklet on preservation easements.
Entitled Vision and Choice: Protecting
our Historic Resources, the 16 -page
illustrated booklet is organized in a
question and answer format, responding ,
to the most -asked questions about Vir-
ginia's preservation easement program.
The booklets are available at no charge
from the Department of Historic Re-
sources, 221 Governor Street, Rich-
mond, Va. 23219.
IDepartment to Dost
Report from the SHPO
li1rginia
epar�"men�C
qf �istoric
Res ources
Director Presents Historic
District Piauucs
Hugh C. Miller, Director of the De-
partment of Historic Resources, has
recently presente€fhistoric district
plaques in four Virginia communities.
In early October, a Virginia Landmarks
Register plaque was formally presented
to the Honorable Richard C. Thoesen,
Mayor of the Town of Herndon. The
ceremony, which took place at a town
council meeting, was broadcast over
the local cable television channel. Hern-
don is one of Virginia's Certified Local
Governments.
In November, Miller presented a dis-
trict plaque to the Town of Urbanna.
Listed on the Virginia Landmarks Reg-
ister in August, Urbanna contains a
range of architectural resources span-
ning three centuries. The plaque was
received by Urbanna's mayor, James
Williams.
The Petersburg Courthouse Historic
District plaque was given by Miller to
Mayor Charles H. Cuthbert, IV, on
November 14. The Petersburg Court-
house District is a large area of com-
mercial, industrial and residential build-
ings surrounding the monumental court-
house that has long been a significant
Petersburg landmark.
The most recent historic district to
be marked with a Virginia Landmarks
Register plaque is Covington. The nom-
ination was completed last spring by
the Department's Regional Preservation
Office in Roanoke with strong support
from the Alleghany County Historic
Society and the Covington Downtown
Revitalization Committee. The plaque
was received on behalf of the City by
the Honorable W. Milton Humphreys,
Mayor.
Internationai
Archaeological Conference
The Department of Historic Resour-
ces and the Virginia Commonwealth
University Archaeological Research
Center will host the 1991 Society for
Historical Archaeology Conference on
historical and underwater archaeology
January 9-13 at the Mariott Hotel in
Richmond. Over 1,000 archaeologists
from across the country will gather for
the 5 -day conference to hear presenta-
tions ranging from addresses by Ivor
Noel Hume, Mary C. Beaudry, Marley
R. Brown and Martin Hall to a closing
plenary session on Saturday afternoon
devoted to the Civil War.
Three years in planning, this confer-
ence will probably have the largest
number of archaeologists ever to as-
semble in Virginia. Workshops, plenary
sessions, exhibits, and tours, with an
Opening Night Reception at the Jef-
ferson -Sheraton Hotel and special en-
tertainment by Janette Carter of the
famed Carter Family and "Wrygrass"
on Friday evening, are only a few of the
events planned.
A grant from the Virginia Foundation
for the Humanities has been received
to promote the special session on the
Civil War which will be open to the
general public. Speakers for that session
will include Gary Gallegher, noted Civil
War historian and National Park Service
Archaeologist David Orr.
Attendees will have the opportunity
to choose from among a broad range of
sessions and mini -plenary groups with
intriguing titles like "Smoking Symbols:
Gender, Tobacco Use and the Archaeo-
logical Records," and "Causeways and
Cribbing: Now you Can Get There
From Here."
For additional information on the
programs, contact J. Mark Wittkofski
at the Department of Historic Resources
or L. Daniel Mouer, Archaeological
Research Center, Virginia Common-
wealth University, (804) 367-8822.
The Department's address is:
221 Governor Street,
Richmond, VA 23219
(804)786-3143
The Roanoke Regional Office's
address is:
1030 Penmar Avenue, SE
Roanoke, VA 24013
(703) 857-7585
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NEWS r R
i ICIM A CRO. S. VTR (v INTA
Activities of Member Organizations of the Preservation Alliance
Brookneal - The Patrick Henry Me-
morial Foundation has chosen Joseph
Dye Lahendroy an architect specializ-
ing in historic preservation, to develop
a master plan for Red Hill. The plan
will address the requirements of Red,
Hill's physical plant into the twenty-
first century and will consider both re-
pairs and improvements to existing
structures as well as new construction.
Charlottesvifle - A field school in his-
toric preservation, co-sponsored by the
University of Virginia's Division of Con-
tinuing Education and the Center for
Historic Preservation at Mary Wash-
ington College is slated for June 2 to 14,
1991. The school will take place in some
of the most historic areas of Virginia,
including Charlottesville and Freder-
icksburg, where participants will have
the opportunity to view restoration
works in progress, interact with experts
in the field, view demonstrations of pres-
ervation techniques and procedures,
and participate in case studies. The pro=
gram is designed for architects, histori-
ans, government preservation staff, pro-,
gram managers, educators, post -
collegiate adults, and graduate students.
The Preservation Alliance and the De-
partment of Historic Resources are
working with the following member or- .
ganizations to help make the field school
possible: the APVA, Kenmore, Monti-,
cello, Poplar Forest, UVA School of
Architecture, and the Virginia Histori-
cal Society. For additional information,
contact Robin McMahon, program co-
ordinator, at 1-800-FIND-UVA.
Fredericksburg - Historic Fredericks-
burg Foundation hosted a presentation
by Randall Arendt, national authorty
on innovative land use planning, for
local elected officials from the Freder-
icksburg region on October 31. Arendt,'
the Associate Director of the Center,
for Rural Massachusetts, spoke on
4
"Conserving Community Character
Through Creative Development." He is
nationally known for his critiques of
conventional land use techniques and
for developing new zoning and plan-
ning strategies. The zoning policies that
Arendt advocates are designed to pro-
tect community character by preserv-
ing natural and c&tural features as new
residential and commercial develop-
ment occurs.
Roanoke - Acting on a request from
the Roanoke Valley Preservation Foun-
dation, the Fifth Planning District Com-
mission has begun a study of the Tinker
Creek area in order to produce a long-
range plan which addresses the unique
nature of the place. One of the richest
historical areas in the Roanoke Valley,
the Tinker Creek corridor is also under
great stress from urban growth and de-
velopment. The planning effort will de-
velop a strategy for effectively manag-
ing future land use and development in
the area. Board members of the Preser-
vation Foundation have been appointed
to the Tinker Creek Advisory Commit-
tee.
Winchester - Mayor Elizabeth G.
Helm formally presented the deed to
the Kurtz Building to Preservation of
Historic Winchester president Patricia
Zontine on October 8th, marking a ma-
jor milestone in the preservation and
revitalization of this downtown struc-
ture. The Kurtz was saved from demoli-
tion by the efforts of PHW and has now
been renovated into a cultural center
for the community. The project was the
recipient of $100,000 in Threatened
Properties grants from the Virginia De-
partment of Historic Resources. Those
grants were matched with local funds
to complete the project.
Visitors enter the new Woodrow Wilson Museum in Staunton after opening ceremonies in
November. The Woodrow Wilson Birthplace Foundation recently renovated this large
tum -of -the century residence into the new museum.
Affiance Meets With
Housing Study
Sub -committee
Delegate Alan Diamonstein, chair-
man of the Virginia Housing Study Com-
mission, recently appointed Alliance Ex-
ecutive Director David J_ Brown to the
sub -committee on Preservation and Ru-
ral Housing, which is chaired by Dele-
gate Lewis Parker. Other members of
the General Assembly serving on the
committee were Senator Daniel Bird
and Delegate James Almand.
Brown met with the committee dur-
ing the two-day Study Commission
workshop on November 1-2 in Rich-
mond. The committee heard staff re-
ports on issues related to preservation,
affordable housing, and rural housing
and made recommendations to the full
Study Commission for inclusion of sev-
eral items in the Commission's legisla-
tive packet. Of key interest to preser-
vationists is the recommendation that
local governments have the authority
to acquire delinquent and deteriorating
property after one year, instead of the
current three year period.
Alliance Trustee Nancy Ambler
serves as the Executive Director of the
Virginia Housing Study Commission
and has been active over the past year
in encouraging greater interaction be-
tween preservationists and housing in-
terest groups.
This concern comes out of issues such
as the recent repeal of historic district
zoning in the Upper Church Hill area of
Richmond. Establishment of a local his-
toric district in the Upper Church Hill
area of Richmond recently led to com-
munity -wide controversy and a decision
by the City Council to repeal the desig-
nation. Preservationists and affordable
housing advocates were often pictured
in the media on opposite sides of the
question, although most agreed that the
issues were rarely clear-cut.
The Upper Church Hill area, located
north of the Church Hill Historic Dis-
trict, is a deteriorating section of the
community with extensive rehabilita-
tion needs. Several new residents of the
district believed that designation as a
city historic district would help revital-
ize this section of the community. How-
ever, concerns about the displacement
of current residents led many individu-
als to fight the designation.
Designation of the district by an out-
going Council brought the controversy
to a head. Opponents of the designa-
tion asked the current Council to re-
peal this move, and a committee was
PRESERVATION ALLIANCE OF VIRGINIA, INC.
P. O. Box 295, Charlottesville, Virginia 22902
VIRGINIA'S PAST: A RESOURCE FOR THE FUTURE
Yes! 1 want to join with the PRESERVATION ALLIANCE OF VIRGINIA and help save Virginia's
past for future generations.
Organizational Membership: $75
President
Name
Address
Citv/ State/Zip
Telephone
The Alliance is a 501(c)(3) corporation, and
all contributions are tax deductible as allowed
by law.
New Publications
Executive Director
Telephone
Individual Members:
5500 $250
_$100 X50 _$25 (Other)
Corporate Sponsors:
_$2500
Patrons:
_$1000
Sustainers:'
$500
Friends:
$250
Associates:
$100
Members:
$50
Library:
$25
Student Members:
_$5
Preserving Prince William - A series
of new bulletins prepared for the Prince
William County Historical Commission
by Frazier Associates of Staunton. Top-
ics include arson,lhothballing historic
buildings, financial incentives, and
building codes. For information, call
(703) 335-6830.
Virginia Land Use Digest - A new quar-
terly publication that looks at the laws,
court decisions, and techniques that im-
pact development in Virginia. Charter
subscriptions are available for $20
(through April 1st) from Virginia Land
Use Digest, P.O. Box 2315, Lynchburg,
VA 24501.
The Complete Guide to Capital Cam-
paigns for Historic Churches and Syna-
gogues - This new publication from Part-
ners for Sacred Places is intended to
appointed to work with the neighbor-
hood and district advocates to deter-
mine if a compromise could be reached.
Several new residents worked with the
City to determine if financial incentives
for current low-income residents could
be established to help maintain the char-
acter of the neighborhood. Unfortun-
ately, after a heated pubic hearing, the
Council voted to repeal the designation.
Preservationists throughout the state
were greatly concerned over these ac-
tivities and efforts to mend ties with
housing advocates have begun in sev-
eral localities. One recent effort began
in Petersburg where the Petersburg
Community Development Corporation,
headed by Historic Petersburg Founda-
tion president George Pilarinos, has be-
gun a project to rehabilitate delapidated
houses and then sell them to low and
moderate -income families at half the
market value.
help congregations considering major
restoration projects for the first time in
recent history. Available for $47.40 to
non-members from Partners for Sacred
Places, 1616 Walnut Street, Suite 2210,
Philadelphia, PA 19103.
Battlefield Update - The National Park
Service has developed this bi-weekly
publication as part of its American Bat-
tlefield Protection Program. To be add-
ed to the mailing list, call (202) 343-9549.
Conservation of Urban Religious Prop-
erties - This recent issue in the National
Trust's "Information" series addresses
problems with the preservation and con-
servation of older and historic religious
properties. Available for $5 from the
Preservation Forum, National Trust for
Historic Preservation, 1785 Massachu-
setts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC
20036.
Transportation Study
(continued from page 1)
including SHPO Hugh Miller, and have
set up a series of workshops to define
the five tasks spelled out by the Gover-
nor. This group will prepare a report to
the Governor by December 31.
Meeting in Roanoke, the Board of
Trustees of the Alliance also heard re-
ports on other work with the Depart-
ment of Transportation, including a
soon -to -be -released study on the future
of historic Route 5 along the James
River. Alliance Vice President Jane
Yerkes and Secretary Addison B.
Thompson represented the Alliance at
a recent public information meeting on
the plan.
5
Membership Profile:
The Museum of American
Frontier Culture
by Ann McCleary
Curator of Research and Programs
Almost fifteen years ago, representa-
tives from Europe and America pro-
posed an idea to create a new museum
in the United States, a museum to tell
the story of the 18th century immigra-
tion to America. Such a museum would
illustrate the cultures and lifestyles of
the early settlers in their homelands of
Germany, Ireland, and England. A
fourth farm would interpret the culture
that was created through the interac-
tion of these ethnic groups in the
broader Appalachian region, reflecting
a blend of the Old World traditions.
This new Museum would be unique by
bringing together and reconstructing ac-
tual farm buildings from these countries.
This Museum has finally become a
reality, after many years of planning
and development. After a 1981 feasibil-
ity study recommended that the project
could be successful, the Commonwealth
of Virginia set aside 78 acres of land in
Staunton at the intersection of Inter-
states 64 and 81 for the purpose of build-
ing the Museum.
In 1982, several of the original plan-
ning committee members established a
private foundation, the American Fron-
tier Culture Foundation, to establish
,.i fundraising efforts for the project. Af-
ter a successful fundraising campaign,
I.i Governor Charles Robb provided the
land to begin construction to the then
' "parent"" Museum, the Jamestown -
Yorktown Foundation, in 1985. That
same year, the Museum hired its first
full-time staff, and the project was un-
derway.
n- `
derway. In 1986, the Museum became a
separate state agency, the Frontier Cul-
ture Museum of Virginia. After several
years of planning and construction, the `
Museum of American Frontier Culture
officially opened its doors on a daily
basis beginning in September 1988. '
Reconstruction 'and preservation;",
have been the major focus at the Mu-
seum over the last five years, as the
Museum staff have worked toward com-
pletion of the four historic farms exhib-
its. From the beginning, the Museum
has taken a relatively novel philosophi-
cal approach to the reconstruction,
compared to other American museums.
The original museum proposal, written
by folklorist Henry Gassie, recommend-
ed that four entire "farms" be moved to
the Museum grounds. The goal was to
reconstruct actual farmsteads, with their
6.
Vrwnal cluster of house and farmbuild-
ings. This approach would preserve
farm groupings that existed in space
and time, rather than bringing together
buildings that may never have had any
relationship to each other in a "recon-
structed" plan.
The selection of the farms was not an
easy assignment. Several factors were
considered in choosing each of the
farms. First, Museum staff searched for
buildings that would accurately portray
the traditional forms found in the Euro-
pean cultures, preferably in the period
of emigration, and in the Appalachian
region. From the beginning, the selec-
tion committees recognized the diffi-
culty of selecting one "typical" type of
farm house or farm building, since quite
often a variety of vernacular forms
existed. Several museums in Europe
provided significant assistance in iden-
tifying appropriate and available farm-
steads.
For the American farm, the Museum
reviewed over 2,000 survey files of farm-
steads in the Shenandoah Valley, from
Winchester to Roanoke. A 19th cen-
tury farm from near Eagle Rock in
Botetourt County was selected for the
Museum. This farm features a log house
and double -pen log barn very typical of
the mid -19th century Valley. Many out-
buildings, including a log tobacco barn,
completed this farmstead. The Barger-
Riddlebarger farm also conveniently re-
flects the blending of architectural tra-
ditions from Germany and the United
Kingdom that occurred in this region.
Several other factors figured into the
final decision on the farm buildings.
First, the Museum chose to relocate
farm buildings that would not have been
preserved at in their existing setting. In
the tradition of the European open-air
museum, the Museum's vision was not
to remove buildings that were currently
being preserved at their original site,
clearly the best course of preservation
for any historic building.
Secondly, the Museum had to decide
from among the available buildings in
each of the countries. While it would be
ideal to move an early 18th century
farm from Ulster, the Ulster -American
Folk Park, in Northern Ireland, advised
us that buildings of this age are very
difficult to find, particularly in any con-
dition to restore. Consequently, the Mu-
seum acquired an early 19th century
farmhouse that features a traditional
plan and design, a building with clear
ties to the 18th century.
The Garlands Farm from West Sus-
sex, England, was chosen to because of
its very excellent collection of 17th and
18th century farmbuildings. The farm-
house, listed as a building of special
architectural and historical interest un-
der the 1976 Town and Country Plan-
ning Acts, cannot be removed from the
country. The two barns and cattle shed
from this farm will complete the his-
toric grouping. Some form of architec-
tural recognition will be provided for
the Garlands house. The Museum has
also identified a late 17th century farm-
house that was disassembled before the
preservation laws went into effect, and
is working to acquire this structure. This
house could possibly be the last build-
ing of its period to leave England. In
A completed Scotch -Irish farm allows visitors at the Museum to visit an authentic farm from
Northern Ireland. Costumed interpreters show the lifestyle of the immigrant from Ireland.
keeping with the Museum's policy of
preserving the integrity of exhibits, this
house would be situated on a separate
site in the overall English exhibit area.
Once the farms were selected, recon-
struction work began. The Museum
worked closely with reconstruction spe-
cialists from all of the countries, draw-
ing upon their expertise in working with
9 the buildings that they know best. For
the Ulster farm, staff and specialists
A from the Ulster -American Folk Park
came to the Frontier Culture Museum.
The Curator, and Keeper of Buildings
provided the overall historical docu-
mentation for the Scotch -Irish farm
4 buildings. Before dismantling the stone
cottage and outbuildings, all of the
stones on the exterior and interior walls
s" were numbered, to assist in the recon-
`' struction. The stonemason who helped
' # ' disassemble the buildings came to su-
pervise the rebuilding of what seemed a
giant "jigsaw" puzzle. Two thatchers
completed the thatched roof, using the
l style of thatching, familiar to County
Tyrone. Care was taken in many of the
details of the reconstruction, including
transporting 15,000 hazel rods for the
scollop thatching from Ireland.
The Frontier Culture Museum staff
t coordinated the research and documen-
tation efforts for the American farm.
Before moving the farmbuildings, the
Museum engaged in considerable doc-
umentation of all the buildings. Each
building was thoroughly documented
through photography, written descrip-
tions and notes, and measured draw-
ings, both before and during the recon-
] : struction. The Museum engaged a con-
sultant to complete a dendrochronol-
ogy study of the timbers in the house
and barn, dating the wooden timbers by
the last growth cycle shown through
the tree rings. Washington and Lee Uni-
versity's Archaeology Laboratory con-
ducted two investigations at the Bote-
tourt County farm site, including an
overview survey of archaeological sites
at the farm and a more in-depth study
of the building sites as the structures
were moved.
Historical research studying the farm
continued throughout the reconstruc-
tion activity. A graduate student from
James Madison University offered to
intern at the Museum in early 1986, and
finished two years later by writing her
master's thesis on the history of the farm.
The research of the farm involved nu-
merous oral histories of the family mem-
bers and neighbors, analysis of the tax
and census records, and a considerable
study of the family and community.
Family members donated a collection
IJ
of family papers from the farm, which
proved very useful in more fully under-
standing the farm's inhabitants. In addi-
tion, the Museum received all the con-
tents of the buildings; these were cata-
loged, studied, and added to the Muse-
um's collections. To better understand
these specific farm buildings in a larger
architectural context, the Museum con-
ducted an architectural survey of Bote-
tourt County farms, funded through a
survey grant from the Virginia Division
of Historical Landmarks.
Museum staff developed a recon-
struction philosophy and guidelines for
the American farm project. These
guidelines covered a variety of topics,
from what period the farm was to be
interpreted to when building parts and
pieces were to be saved and spliced or
reproduced, all areas which influenced
the picky details of the reconstruction
program. The Museum employed con-
tractors who had worked with and were
familiar with the traditional building
methods of the galley. These crafts-
people disassembled, moved, and re-
constructed the farm buildings, provid-
ing continuity during the entire project.
As the Museum's reconstruction con-
tinues, another interpretive message has
emerged. Each of the European muse-
ums involved has infused their recon-
struction effort with their concept of
preservation and reconstruction, which
differs from country to country. Conse-
quently, as the Museum visitors learn
about each farm, they will also learn
about the different reconstruction phi-
losophies practiced at the European
open-air museums.
The Museum's view of "preservation"
does not end with the building recon-
struction; the buildings are just the be-
ginning of the farm. The Museum is
committed to depicting the landscape
of these farms and of these cultures.
The Museum has attempted to recon-
struct the original layout of the build-
ings and farm as closely as possible,
maintaining the same distances between -
the buildings and contours of the origi-
nal site. For the Scotch -Irish farm, staff
from the Museum and the Ulster -Amer-
ican Folk Park researched and prepared
landscape plans, which reflect both the
original layout of the farm and the land-
scape traditions of that region. The road
in front of the Museum's Scotch -Irish I
house follows the old road bed, and is in
the same relationship to the house. i
Hedge rows and stone walls enclose the t
fields, with the hedge rows being planted
of the'same species of white hawthorne. r
The Museum plans to research and
establish historical varieties of plant ma- r
terials at all four of the farmsites. The
challenge will come in trying to raise
plant materials in a new climate. The
Museum took actual cuttings or entire
plants from the Botetourt site and
grafted twigs from the fruit trees. These
materials have been established on the
Museum site. In addition to the "per-
manent" landscape collections, the Mu-
seum has begun reproducing the sea-
sonal elements of the landscape, such
as hay stacks or ricks. The four farms
present an ideal opportunity to com-
pare and contrast these landscape fea-
tures.
Preservation efforts continue in the
areas of collections and research. The
Museum seeks to collect and preserve
archival materials, artifacts, and re-
search materials for each of the cul-
tures being depicted at the Museum.
Each farm is being furnished with ap-
propriate historical collections, both do-
mestic and agricultural.
The Museum has begun to establish
research programs as well as internship
programs with area colleges. As the Mu-
seum continues to grow, these research
efforts will expand into international
fellowship programs and increased aca-
demic outreach with colleges, universi-
ties, and research centers both here in
America and abroad.
The Museum is currently open to the
public every day, except Thanksgiving,
Christmas, and New Year's Day. Daily
hours are 9 to 5, with winter hours from
December 1 through March 15 from 10
to 4. The Museum offers daily interpre-
tive programs, special educational pro-
grams, group tours, and a full calendar
of seasonal and annual events.
For more information, please con-
tact:
Museum of American Frontier Culture
P.O. Box 810
Staunton, Virginia 24401
Virginia Preservation is funded in part by a grant
from the National Park Service, U.S. Department of
the Interior. Under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of
1964 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of
1973, the U.S. Department of the Interior prohibits
discrimination on the basis of race, color, national
origin, or handicap in its federally assisted programs.
f you believe you have been discriminated against in
any program activity, or facility described above, or
f you desire further information, please write to:
Office for Equal Opportunity, U.S. Department of
he Interior, Washington, DC 20240. The contents
and opinions of this publication do not necessarily
eflect the views of policies of the Department of the
nterior, nor does the mention of trade names or
commercial products constitute endorsement or
ecommendations by the Department of the Interior.
7
.,.00.0T
P0 7,.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
December 11 Meeting of the Historic resources Board and the State Review Board. (80=1r A-3141 Riehmond.
January 9-13 "Annual Meeting of the Society for Historical Archaeology" sponsored by the Virginia Department
of Historic Resources and Virginia Commonwealth University. (804) 786-3143. Richmond.' r+
February :_ Virginia Preservation Deception" sponsored by the Preservation Alliance of Virginia. '
(80411979-3899. Richmond.
February 15-16 Board of "Trustees Meeting, Preservation Alliance of Virginia, upper Brandon. t
February 16-17 "Theory and Practice: Bridging the Gaps" a workshop on roofing, stone, terra coMtt , and HVAC1,
sponsored by the APT Washington Chapter. (301) 279-2612. '4Was ' on; DC. k} .
April .5-6 "'Spring Preservation Workshops" sponsored by the Preservation Alliance ofsVirginia. (804) 979-3899.
),A-esburg. t x
May 1248 Celebrate YOUR Heritage' Preservation Week 1991.
New Members ,
Ms Norma Jean Peters
New Preservation Group
Mr. and Mrs. J. Donlan Piedmont
We welcome the following new mem- Ms .roan Ramsey
Formed in Fairfax
bers who have joined since our
last Ms Clare S. White -
Preservation groups and individuals
newsletter:
Robert Wens Woody
Salem
in Fairfax County have joined together
Member organizations
George Snead
to form a new organization to support
Frederick County Historic Resources
Shawsville
and coordinate preservation work in
Advisory Board
Fredericksburg Office of Community
The Hon. and Mrs. Madison Marye
Virginia's most urban county. ]named
Development
Vienna
Tom Worrell ..+
the Fairfax County Heritage Conser-
Front Royal Architectural Review Board
oat -of -State
vaney, the group held its organizational
Williamsburg Architectural Review Board
Robert F. Kibble
meeting in November and heard about
Individual Members
historic resource issues in the area.
Arlington -
Deborah Cannan
Richmond Douse Museums
Alliance Executive Director Dr,
BedfordEstablish
Mrs- William Thomas
Tour Package
Brown and State Historic Preservatioi,
I
Office Hugh Miller spoke to the group
Blacksburg •
Three historic house museums in
at its initial meeting. Elizabeth David
William taverns
Cheriton
Richmond have joined together to es-
and Eve Wilson, Trustees of the Preser-
Ms Jean Milhalyka
tablish a "Three Century House Tour"
vation Alliance, have been active in
Cloverdale
— a package tour that focuses on three
working with the new organization.
Edward L. Truett
centuries of American architectural his-
Local issues presented to the grout)
Fredericksburgbristory.
Mss CChrissieicBeck
Agecroft Hall, a transplanted Eng-
b steering committee concerned the
y a s
Lynchburg
lish estate, spotlights the 17th century;
need for a heritage education program,
- Ms Jean S. Showalter
Wilton House, a Georgian mansion built
revision to the county's historic district
Richmond - I ' `' ,
in 1753, adds the 18th century; and the
zoning ordinance, preservation of criti-
Howard MacCord, Sr.
`
Wickham -Valentine House; built in
cal historic resources such as the 1800s
Roanoke ., .
W. B. Bowles { t =
1812, brings in the 19th century.
courthouse and Huntley Mansion, de -
Frani A. Boxley. `. '
The three museums each contributed
velopment of design guidelines for the
a
J- H. Burgess, Jr r t t -
$6,000 to produce a brochure on the
p
county's 13 local historic districts, and
Dr. Jesse Davidson, to
tour package that encourages visitors
improved local integration into the Fed-
Mrs- Frank Ellett '
'
to "Come to Richmond and Live Three
eral preservation review process.
F. E. Harris ;. �
David Lemon
Centuries in a Day.„
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Non -Profit Org.
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U.S- Postage
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Staunton, VA
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Permit No. 10
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(Historical Resources Advisory
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Kris Tierney
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Winchester VA 22601
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