On January 26, 2012, a public meeting will be held at the County Administration Building in the Boardroom at 7 p.m. regarding a historical survey to be conducted by Hanbury Preservation Consulting and The College of William and Mary in the coming months. The Wythe County Historical Society, with Wythe County, is aiding in the coordination of the survey and public input.

In 2011, Wythe County received a grant from the Virginia Department of Historic Resources in support of a study of the County’s historic architecture. The project will consist of completion of a county-wide architectural survey identifying properties dating from circa 1940 and earlier.

Priorities for the survey include previously undocumented significant structures dating to the 18th and 19th centuries, buildings and sites of special significance from the first half of the 20th century, identification of any potentially eligible historic districts and recommendation of district boundaries complete with accurate mapping.

At the public meeting, County staff and the consultant selected to perform the study, the College of William & Mary’s Center for Archaeological Research (WMCAR), will introduce and explain the study. Project architectural historian Mary Ruffin Hanbury will begin the meeting with a short slide presentation, explaining goals and methods of the project. This will be followed by an open forum for questions and public comment.

The aim of the study is to document through photographs, sketches, and descriptions a wide variety of historic buildings that contribute to Wythe County’s rich heritage. This research will identify important historical properties to be considered in short and long range land use planning, will encourage preservation easements and land conservation, and will help serve as an educational tool.

The project will also support the County’s heritage tourism and economic development programs and will facilitate federally mandated environmental reviews. At the conclusion of the study, the consultant will provide the county with documentation and historical research findings for at least 375 buildings, a comprehensive report, and a summary slide presentation.

Wythe County residents are encouraged to attend the meeting and to offer suggestions, input, and general public comment. The project also has a Website (http://www.hanburypreservation.com/active_projects/wythe) where residents can find information about future meetings, agendas, presentations, and a platform for public comment.