Retelling the American Revolution: Black Resistance and Freedom-Building in Virginia

The Roanoke Valley Preservation Foundation, Inc. regularly publishes a bi-annual newsletter that shares historic, cultural, and natural preservation-related information and activities taking place throughout the Roanoke Valley, the surrounding counties and their municipalities.

We hope you will enjoy our most recent issue:  

2026 Spring Focus on Preservation Newsletter

Visit our website’s Newsletter page for a complete listing of past newsletters.

The Roanoke Valley Preservation Foundation, Inc. regularly publishes a bi-annual newsletter that shares historic, cultural, and natural preservation-related information and activities taking place throughout the Roanoke Valley, the surrounding counties and their municipalities.

We hope you will enjoy our most recent issue:  

2025 Winter Focus on Preservation Newsletter

Visit our website’s Newsletter page for a complete listing of past newsletters.

Everyone is cordially invited to Craig County’s Craig250 Commission’s signature event, “Sounds of Liberty” on Flag Day, Sunday, June 14, 2026, from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. This garden party will celebrate America’s 250th anniversary of independence through music, historical interpretations, and cannon, while guests enjoy delicious food and beverage, all in the breathtaking setting of Craig County’s Sinking Creek valley at Highclere Hall.

Learn how settlers of the future Craig County, known as the frontier in 1776, contributed to the fight for independence. Patrick Henry Jolly, 6th generation descendant of Patrick Henry will portray his ancestor. Most people know the name Patrick Henry, but few have had the experience of hearing his famous “Give me Liberty” speech. Michael Henningson will portray Reverend Charles Cummings, “the Fightin’ Parson.” Rev. Cummings was a Presbyterian cleric called to serve in the backcountry of today’s Abingdon. Known to prop up his rifle against the pulpit, his fiery personality moved his congregations to defend their communities in battles including the Battle of Kings Mountain. Local students, soloists, and a woodwind quintet will provide musical interludes. The sounds of bagpipes and cannon are sure to thrill young and old as they reverberate throughout the mountains.

For tickets and additional information, visit the event website.

Each May — National Historic Preservation Month — Preservation Virginia and the Roanoke Valley Preservation Foundation both  announce their listings of historic places across the Commonwealth and locally in the Roanoke Valley facing imminent or sustained threats.

Preservation Virginia

The Preservation VA Most Endangered Sites listing, which has raised awareness for over 200 sites in Virginia, encourages individuals, organizations and local governments to advocate for their preservation and find solutions that will save these unique locations. The program has a proven track record of success, only 10% of the sites listed since the program began have been lost to demolition or neglect.

Roanoke Valley Preservation Foundation

The Roanoke Valley Preservation Foundation Endangered Sites listing has been announced since 1996 and includes significant historic, natural, and cultural sites in the Roanoke Valley that are in eminent danger of being lost due to deferred maintenance, demolition, or incompatible development. The intent is not to shame or punish the current owners but to bring attention to these sites and encourage their preservation and stewardship. The goal is to work closely with property owners and local governments in exploring options to promote their preservation.  The Roanoke Valley Preservation Foundation’s intent is not to shame or punish the current owners but to bring attention to these sites and encourage their preservation and stewardship. The goal is to work closely with property owners and local governments in exploring options to promote their preservation. 

This year’s list of Virginia’s Most Endangered Historic Places and the Roanoke Valley Preservation Foundation reflects the increasing pressure of new development on historic communities and the ongoing impacts of the data center industry.

During the 250th anniversary of the founding of our United States, it’s critical to find ways to grow thoughtfully while preserving the places that share the American story.  For once a community’s historic character, green spaces and/or cultural connections are lost, they cannot be recreated.

Link to Roanoke Times article regarding the Foundation’s 2026 Endangered Sites announcement made Tuesday, May 21, 2026 in Salem, VA.

As the month of May is designated as Preservation Month, each year in May, the Roanoke Valley Preservation Foundation announces our 2026 Annual Endangered Sites to call attention to local history, special places, and the possibility that these significant sites are in danger of being lost unless efforts are made to preserve them.

You are cordially invited to attend the 2026 Endangered Sites announcement taking place on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at 5:30pm. at the Salem Presbyterian Church rear parking lot (located at the corner of Clay & Market Streets) in Salem, VA.

Only by people working together can historic places be saved for the benefit of current and future generations.

Hope to see you there!

1. HISTORIC GREENFIELD: PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE:
   Come learn about the history of Greenfield

   Hear Joesph McGill’s talk on “Sleeping with the Ancestors.” Learn about restoring 
   Greenfield’s historic kitchen/slave dwelling. BBQ and fixin’s and music included.

   Saturday June 20, 2026, 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm

2. LIMITED SEATING, REGISTRATION REQUIRED, ONLY 100 SPACES AVAILABLE!

   Join Joseph McGill and other participants on the lower level of the Botetourt Center for a series of engaging and informative presentations. Enjoy live musical entertainment and free BBQ with fixin’s.

   The event is FREE but registration is required as seating is limited.  

   Additional information on Botetourt County planned ” 2026 Juneteenth Celebrations” 

GIVE Roanoke 2026 is an annual initiative hosed by the Council of Community Services as a fun fun, easy, and flexible way to donate and learn more about the many organizations making a difference in the Roanoke Valley. You can help by investing in the Roanoke Valley Preservation Foundation TODAY April 22, 2026 until 11:59 PM.

Grow. Invest. Volunteer. Empower | GIVE Roanoke 2026 Roanoke Valley Preservation Foundation

You are cordially invited to join the Roanoke Valley Preservation Foundation for a FREE Preservation Pub Talk on Wednesday, March 18 at 5:30pm at Fork in the Alley (2132 Crystal Spring Ave SW, Roanoke) .

Historic buildings-from the White House East Wing to historic structures in Salem, South Roanoke, and Cave Spring-are recently disappearing!  What can we do about it?

Grab a beverage, enjoy free appetizers and join the conversation about the future of historic preservation in our community!

Admission is FREE and the beverages and conversation are on YOU!

Bring a friend and we hope to see you there!

Published on February 18, 2026 by The Roanoke Rambler, we thought you might find this article interesting regarding the recent destructions and removal of Roanoke’s historic fabric and why its important for all of us not to do so. 

Click on the link below for  story………………

https://www.roanokerambler.com/history-takes-a-hit-wrecking-ball-swings-as-advocates-try-to-stave-off-more-demolition/