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HelpHistorical Commission
The mission of the Historical Commission is to further the efforts of the County to document, commemorate, preserve, protect, and promote the rich historical heritage of James City County.
Want to get involved? The Historical Commission is always accepting applications for new members! If you’re interested, fill out an application and either mail it to the indicated address or drop it off in Building C of the James City County Office Complex.
Objectives
The Historical Commission was established by the Board of Supervisors on July 8, 1985, to document, commemorate, preserve, and promote public interest in the history and historic legacy of the County. In pursuance of the objectives, the Commission, in cooperation as appropriate with the County agencies and with other public or private bodies, shall perform the following functions:
- To survey, identify, and document historic buildings and sites within the County, as well as people, place names, and events.
- To assemble, preserve, and complete historical information, including oral histories.
- To advise the County government and appropriate private parties by providing information regarding historic sites and the impact that land development may have upon them.
- To increase public awareness of the County’s history by conducting and encouraging activities at all educational levels that will stimulate interest in the history and archaeology of the County.
- To assist property owners and disseminate information regarding various state and federal programs which can assist in historic preservation.
Historical Commission Members
Members are appointed by the Board of Supervisors for three-year terms. The Commission is responsible for documenting, commemorating and preserving the historic legacy of James City County.
| Staff Representative: Leanne Reidenbach, Planning | Term Expires |
District |
| John Labanish | 07/31/14 |
Berkeley |
| Arthur Grant | 07/31/14 |
Berkeley |
| Alain Outlaw | 07/31/14 |
Berkeley |
| Edith Harris-Bernard | 07/31/14 |
Roberts |
| Lafayette Jones | 07/31/14 |
Nonresident |
| Gerald White | 08/31/13 |
Berkeley |
| Fred Boelt | 08/31/12 |
Stonehouse |
| Rosemary Van Houten | 02/28/12 |
Stonehouse |
| Karlene Noel Jennings | 06/28/14 |
Berkeley |
| M. David Levy | 06/28/14 |
Roberts |
| Peter B. Gushue | 06/28/14 |
Stonehouse |
Historic Preservation awards
Historic Preservation Awards are presented by the Historical Commission to individuals, groups, or organizations that have made a significant contribution to the preservation of historic resources in the County. Click here to read about past winners or submit a nomination.
The Historical Commission holds bimonthly meetings from September to May. For additional information, please contact the Planning Division by phone at (757) 253-6685 or by e-mail at planning@james-city.va.us.