The Historical Society of Western Virginia is once again a finalist in the Virginia Association of Museums (VAM) Top 10 Endangered Artifact Program! This year, they are looking to conserve a letter in their collection from James Minzies, the personal secretary of Lord Dunmore, to Col. William Preston, one of the signers of the Fincastle Resolutions in January of 1775.
This letter is at significant risk, and is an extremely important document relating to the Royal Proclamation of 1763, Lord Dunmore’s War in 1774, Patrick Henry’s “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death” speech in March of 1775, as well as spurred individuals like Thomas Jefferson toward Independence from Great Britain.
The letter has been accessed by a professional conservator, with conservation costs estimated at $2,500.
We’re asking for your help!
Vote daily until February 20, 2026, through the Virginia Association of Museums’ platform to help us secure the top spot and $1500 to put toward this letter’s conservation!
VAM’s Top Ten Endangered Artifacts Program has been nationally recognized and replicated by other states while helping more than Virginia 200 organizations. The annual top ten list creates a greater awareness of the important and diverse stories told through these rare treasures. This year’s program is proudly supported by the Virginia Museum of History & Culture (VMHC) in partnership with VAM. The generous support from the VMHC allows VAM the opportunity to more meaningfully support member institutions and their submitted endangered artifacts for conservation.
