“This year marks the 41st anniversary of the National Historic Preservation Act,” said Jack Cavalier, Chairman of the Board of Supervisors. “We hope that this competition will stimulate an interest in Stafford’s history and provide an opportunity for students to learn more about the preservation of the county’s cultural resources.”

Participants are asked to research a significant cultural resource located in Stafford that is at least 50 years old, and submit a short summary of the property’s history, an essay, and original photographs. Cultural resources may include historic buildings, sites or cultural landscapes. The essay, which should be at least four pages but no more than ten pages in length, should focus on the importance of preserving Stafford’s cultural assets for future generations.

The following items must be submitted with each entry:

·        Two hard copies of the essay or one electronic version on a CD.

·        One copy of the entry form.

·        Two original photographs on photographic paper, preferably in black and white.

·        A source page or bibliography.

An official entry form and research assistance packet may be downloaded from the county’s Web site at www.staffordcountyva.gov under the heading “Historic Preservation Scholarship” on the initial page. The packet contains detailed instructions, information about the types of properties eligible for entry, and examples of sources that can be used for research including land deeds, plat maps, census records and publications.

Cash prizes for the contest for ninth through eleventh grade students are: first place, $100; second place, $60; and third place, $40. The scholarship winner and all contest winners will also receive certificates of recognition, and the high school submitting the most entries will be recognized with a special award. Winners will be recognized at the Board of Supervisors meeting on May 15, 2007. 

Entries must be postmarked or delivered to the Planning Department by 4:30 p.m. on April 20, 2007. Essays and related material may be mailed to Historic Preservation Planner, Department of Planning and Community Development, P.O. Box 339, Stafford, VA 22555. The Planning Department is located in the Administration Center at 1300 Courthouse Road.        

For more information or to request copies of the entry form and research packet, contact Wendy Wheatcraft, Historic Preservation Planner, at (540) 658-4628 or by e-mail to wwheatcraft@co.stafford.va.us.

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