Prince William Historic Preservation

ABOUT

Prince William Historic Preservation is the historical preservation arm of Prince William County in Northern Virginia. The county, Virginia’s second largest, manages fifteen properties totaling 550 acres and thirty structures.

These sites cover a broad range of subjects, and each offer a unique story to visitors. For Civil War buffs, there is the 140-acre Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park where an important battle was fought in October 1863. There is also the beautifully maintained nineteenth century Old Manassas Courthouse, the site of the 1911 Peace Jubilee marking the fiftieth anniversary of the Battle of Manassas. Truly, there is something for all lovers of early American history in Prince William County.

The mission of Prince William Historic Preservation Foundation is to preserve the history of the county and fund projects that restore these county-owned historic properties and structures. Perhaps more importantly, the foundation also helps interpret these sites and teaches why these relevant properties need to be maintained.

HISTORY

The Prince William Historic Preservation Foundation was established in 2001 by a group of county residents who were concerned about losing historic sites and structures and the resulting loss of the county’s rich history. Although tax dollars paid for some restoration efforts, there were many projects that did not receive government funding.

This determined group began to raise private donations to fund the historic projects outside the financial capabilities of the county budget. To date, the Prince William Historic Preservation Foundation has raised over $1 million, all of which has preserved some part of the county’s incredible past.

GRANT PROJECT

One of the properties managed by the Prince William Office of Historic Preservation is Rippon Lodge, a circa 1747 home built by Richard Blackburn, a member of a very prominent family in colonial Virginia. Richard’s son Thomas inherited the home in 1760 and later served as an aide in the war during the American Revolution.

In 2000, Prince William County purchased Rippon Lodge and, after an extensive renovation, opened it to the public in 2007. Today, Rippon Lodge is part of the Neabsco Regional Park, which receives 350,000 visitors each year.

The exhibits Rippon Lodge originally displayed upon opening needed to be refreshed due to simple wear and tear and normal weathering. Using the older exhibit as a foundation, and with the help of Americana Corner, the foundation has updated the information for current visitors, with a special emphasis on building techniques from our founding era.

The timing of the Americana Corner Preserving America Grant will allow the new exhibit to be fabricated and installed prior to our nation’s 250th birthday. Importantly, this new exhibit dovetails nicely with existing efforts to make Rippon Lodge’s colonial and Revolutionary War history more accessible to the public.

Americana Corner is proud to assist the Prince William Historic Preservation Foundation with its mission to preserve the great American story and to help our fellow citizens grow their love of country.