Preservation Pays.

That is the conclusion of an economic study, “Prosperity through Preservation,” released in January 2008 by the Department of Historic Resources. Conducted by Virginia Commonwealth University’s Center for Public Policy, in partnership with DHR, the study finds that Virginia’s state rehabilitation tax credit program created nearly $1.6 billion in economic impact in the Commonwealth and supported just under 11,000 jobs since 1997. The study determined that from 1997 through June 2007 rehabilitation state tax credit incentives spurred private investment of nearly $1.5 billion spent restoring more than 1,200 landmark buildings throughout Virginia. Significantly, VCU’s analysis, based on a survey of sponsors of rehabilitation projects, determined that of the nearly $1.5 billion investment, a full $952 million was tied directly to projects for which the state tax credits were identified as an essential driving force. In other words, without the rehabilitation state tax credit program, the projects would never have been undertaken. Read the summary, Prosperity through Preservation.

DHR’s report on Richmond’s historic “Burial Ground for Negroes” (ca. 1750-1816).

DHR’s report on Richmond’s historic “Burial Ground for Negroes” (ca. 1750-1816). DHR has gathered and assessed evidence about the location and probable condition of the former Richmond free black and slave burial ground known as the "Burial Ground for Negroes." The agency has concluded that the preponderance of evidence from available sources indicates that the Burial Ground and gallows are located under the north and south bound lanes of Interstate 95. However, a very small portion of the Burial Ground also may intrude upon a parking lot in Shockoe Bottom now owned by Virginia Commonwealth University. DHR also has concluded that the area likely to contain the Burial Ground has not been damaged by the recent construction of I-95, which deposited between 7-10 feet of fill on an area already covered with 8-10 feet of fill deposited since the middle 19th century. However, unknown 19th-century disturbance could have occurred.

See the slave burial ground report (PDF). (Updated 8-7-08)

Financial Incentives and Opportunities for Historic Preservation and Archaeology in Virginia

Now available: Financial Incentives and Opportunities for Historic Preservation and Archaeology in Virginia: This guide was compiled by DHR's Pam Schenian, an architectural historian and CLG program coordinator in DHR's Tidewater Regional Preservation Office. The 54-page document provides information on preservation funding opportunities that exist from local, state, and national sources. It provides funding options for museums, historic sites, homeowners, neighborhoods, localities, investors, and businesses. For information on DHR-sponsored or managed funds, visit Incentives & Grants.

Virginia Canals and Navigations Society

VCNS 2009 Annual Meeting

The 2009 Annual Meeting of the Virginia Canals and Navigations Society will be held in Richmond from May 22-24, 2009. Please check the VCNS website for developing details. The meeting will highlight the rich canal history in and around Richmond at a time when the West was the Appalachians and the canals were built to open the West.

http://www.vacanals.org/