Virginia sets aside $20 million to preserve historic landmarks ahead of semiquincentennial
Richmond, Virginia – Governor Glenn Youngkin of Virginia has announced the launch of the Virginia 250 Preservation Fund, a significant initiative aimed at supporting the upkeep and enhancement of the state’s historic sites in preparation for the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Declaration of Independence in 2026. The Department of Historic Resources (DHR) will administer these efforts, supported by $20 million in state funds designated for a variety of preservation projects.
Strategic Investments in Historical Preservation
The establishment of the Virginia 250 Preservation Fund is a strategic move, aligned with Governor Youngkin’s priorities in the recent biennial budget and the 2024-2026 Virginia Biennial Budget bill. This fund is dedicated specifically to capital improvement projects at historic sites and museums anticipated to experience a surge in visitors during the upcoming semiquincentennial celebrations.
Governor Youngkin emphasized the significance of this initiative, stating, “The Virginia 250 Preservation Fund is critical to ensuring that Virginia is prepared to host millions of Americans for the semiquincentennial celebration of our glorious history. As home to Washington, Jefferson, Madison, Monroe, Patrick Henry and the Battle of Hampton to the Siege of Yorktown, Virginia was at the forefront of our history. Bolstering our historic sites and museums will not only encourage and aid tourism, it is our responsibility as stewards of American history.”
Echoing the Governor’s sentiments, Virginia Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources Travis Voyles highlighted the lasting impacts of these enhancements. “As a result of Governor Youngkin’s outstanding leadership, we have this vital capital improvement funding. The enhancements made with this funding will not only prepare us for the semiquincentennial, they will have lasting impacts for generations to come. Americans nationwide, not only Virginians, will benefit tremendously from this Fund,” said Voyles.
Julie Langan, Director of the Department of Historic Resources, also expressed gratitude for the allocated funds, “The Department of Historic Resources is incredibly grateful to Governor Youngkin and the General Assembly for providing this essential funding. We are so excited to work with Virginians to support our historic sites and resources in anticipation of our nation’s 250th birthday.”
Grant Application Process and Eligibility
To facilitate the distribution of funds, DHR has established a two-step application process for potential projects. The process begins with the submission of preapplications, which are being accepted until August 30. Projects that meet the initial criteria will then be invited to submit a full application by October 14.
Eligibility for funding extends to a broad range of applicants including nonprofit organizations recognized as tax-exempt under the Internal Revenue Code, Virginia localities as defined under Code § 1-221, and state-or federally-recognized Indian tribes in Virginia. All applicants must either own the project property or provide a signed letter of support from the property owner along with a copy of the recorded deed.
Priority for funding will be given to projects involving properties listed in the Virginia Landmarks Register (VLR) and/or the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP), properties designated as a National Historic Landmark (NHL), or properties determined eligible for any such listing by DHR. However, history museums located in non-historic buildings are also eligible to apply, ensuring a wide scope of preservation efforts are supported.
For more information about the fund, eligibility requirements, or to fill out a preapplication form, interested parties are encouraged to visit the program’s webpage.
