July 17, 2017
Three finalists will compete for $2,000 grant at Virginia Preservation Conference in Petersburg.
Richmond, Va. (July 17, 2017) – Preservation Virginia is calling for historic preservation enthusiasts across the Commonwealth to enter their Preservation Pitch competition. The statewide, historic preservation leader, is providing an opportunity for community members to compete for a chance to pitch a historic preservation project at their Virginia Preservation Conference, Friday October 6 at Union Train Station in Petersburg, Virginia. The winner will receive a $2,000 grant from Preservation Virginia.
Anyone can submit a pitch, including individuals, government agencies, historical societies and historic property owners. Applicants are required to register and submit a short presentation and accompanying script explaining why their project should be selected by Friday, August 25. Three finalists will be selected to present their pitches during the Virginia Preservation Conference and the audience will choose the winner.
“We’re looking for projects that will have a lasting impact on Virginia’s communities,” says Justin Sarafin, Director of Preservation Initiatives and Engagement, Preservation Virginia. “Past winners have presented ideas that are compelling, foster community engagement and inspire other historic preservation initiatives.”
Louisa County Historical Society won last year’s Preservation Pitch competition for a project that includes documenting African American burial grounds with an easy-to-use mobile and web application. They were compelled by the idea to provide a platform for older generations to share their knowledge with younger generations so that both can document burial sites that honor the past together.
“We believe engaging people across the Commonwealth in this effort will stir curiosity to learn about all members of our historic communities. Curiosity leads to investigation, which can change our understanding of history,” said Elaine Taylor, Executive Director, Louisa County Historical Society during her presentation.
2013 Preservation Pitch winner, Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum – the only birthplace museum of a First Lady, impressed the crowd with their presentation about the museum’s desperate need for an ADA-compliant handicap entrance. The museum’s win inspired the town of Wytheville, Virginia to help them continue raising funds for the new entrance. Afterward, the museum went on to restore Wilson’s home located above the museum.
Whether someone has a historic preservation project already underway or just an idea, the Preservation Pitch competition is an avenue to rally the community and gain support. Interested applicants can visit Eventbrite for registration details and instructions for submitting a pitch.
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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.
Press Contact
Brittney Jubert
bjubert@preservationvirginia.org
804-648-1889 ext. 304
