Preservation Fund to prepare for U.S. 250th anniversary

RICHMOND, Va. – Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced July 17 that the Virginia 250 Preservation Fund has been launched ahead of the 250th anniversary of the 1776 U.S. Declaration of Independence. The Department of Historic Resources (DHR) will administer the $20,000,000 state funds for historic preservation projects across Virginia.

Funding for this new program was prioritized in Youngkin’s recent biennial budget and the 2024-2026 Virginia Biennial Budget bill. The purpose of the special fund is to support capital improvement projects at historic sites and museums that anticipate a significant increase in visitation during the upcoming semiquincentennial in 2026.

“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,” said Youngkin. “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.”

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