RICHMOND — Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced the launch of the Virginia 250 Preservation Fund ahead of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
The Department of Historic Resources (DHR) will administer the $20 million in state funds for historic preservation projects across Virginia.
According to the governor’s office, funding for the new program was prioritized in the governor’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. 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,” said Youngkin.
DHR has designed a grant program, consisting of a two-step application process, by which these funds will be distributed for capital improvements at significant historic sites and history museums in the Commonwealth. Pre-applications are being accepted until Aug. 30. Those projects that advance will have until Oct. 14 to submit a full application, according to the governor’s office.
Eligible applicants for the Virginia 250 Preservation Fund include nonprofit organizations that are registered 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 be the owner of the project property or be able to submit a signed letter of support from the property owner and a copy of the recorded deed.
DHR is inviting all historic sites or museums that meet the requirements specified above to apply. It noted history museums in non-historic buildings are also eligible for funding, but said priority will be given to projects featuring 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.
For more detailed information and updates or to fill out a pre-application form, visit the program webpage.
