August 17, 2017
The recent violence in Charlottesville is deeply disturbing and reminds us all that bigotry and oppression have no place in our communities. Preservation Virginia offers its heartfelt condolences to the victims and all who have been affected by this tragedy.
As our Commonwealth and its communities find our way forward, Preservation Virginia believes that the resources of our past offer vital lessons to present and future generations. Structures, landscapes, and archaeological sites give context to these lessons that may be sobering, inspiring and troubling. Armed with unflinching examinations and honest narratives of our history and a comprehensive understanding of our past, historic places can help our communities navigate and better understand how the legacies of the past still affect us today and provide places for dialogue, empathy and healing.
Preservation Virginia remains committed to programming at our sites, special projects, and other undertakings that seek to be inclusive. We will continue to encourage communities—especially ones who have been under-recognized in the past—to be participants in sharing their history and perspectives.
Our colleague institutions have similarly shared their commitment to help communities move forward. We have included links to some of their statements:
National Trust for Historic Preservation
Virginia Foundation for the Humanities:
https://virginiahumanities.org/2017/08/a-message-from-matthew-gibson/
Press Contact
Brittney Jubert
bjubert@preservationvirginia.org
804-648-1889 ext. 304
