Do We Value Our Historic Landscape?
Fredericksburg is a city steeped in history; more so than most. And, whether by design or fortunate circumstance, we are very privileged to have so much of that history preserved. It is a fundamental part of what makes this city so uniquely appealing to those who live, work, and play here.
Surrounded by such bounty, it’s sometimes easy to take it for granted and forget how essential our preserved past is to sustaining this community’s economic and cultural vitality.
With every demolition, every replaced historic window, and every out-of-scale infill project, we lose a bit more of what makes Fredericksburg special… that draws people and new private investments here… that keeps this city from becoming nothing more than another rest stop off I-95.
More and more, such losses—and the continuing erosion of our community’s historic fabric—are shrugged off as unavoidable or sometimes even necessary; a sacrifice in the name of economic growth.
Enough is enough—if we aren’t careful we will not have the elements left to call it a Downtown Historic District.
Then where will we be? The lack of these historic resources will affect our Heritage Tourism, downtown economic situation, and the quality of living for citizens in the surrounding area.
Once it is gone, it is gone forever.
What are we as a community going to do about it? HFFI will continue to fight inappropriate construction and alterations; we will speak up for the neglected historic homes and contribute to the conversations at City Hall. But we can only do so much with our limited resources, volunteers, and funds.
Each person that lives, works and enjoys Fredericksburg and its history must speak up and let our City Council know what is important to them.
Contact your representative or a member of council and let them know what you value in Fredericksburg.
Let us at HFFI know what you want us to stand up and speak for.
Join us at HFFI working to stay abreast of all preservation issues, send a clear message, and preserve our valuable cultural resources.
Together we can keep Fredericksburg Historic.
Historic Pub Tour of Downtown Fredericksburg
Do you enjoy history and a sociable evening out with friends at a few local pubs? Then join us on Saturday evening, July 26th, for our Historic Pub Tour of Downtown Fredericksburg!
We will learn the history of social establishments dating from Colonial to present day from a variety of tour guides. The tour will visit approximately 10 locations, last about 5 hours, and we will stop for a “break†at four locations. Attendees must be at least 21 to attend, and guests should be comfortable with walking 1–1½ miles.
Admission is $15 for HFFI members, and $20 for non-members. Advance reservations are required and spots are limited. Don’t wait—call today to reserve your place! 540-371-4504
Read more about the tour locations and the event in the latest edition of the Front Porch or at www.HFFI.org.
Vintage Route 1 Tour & Community Day
The Vintage Route 1 Event is right around the corner—are you ready!?
Our researchers have been hard at work for months finding facts and images for our 20th-century history exhibits, tour guides have been scouting downtown for locations to entertain guests on our streetcar and walking tours, and the activities in Riverfront Park are stacking up!
Be sure to mark Saturday, September 6th, on your calendar and attend this year’s festivities!
This year the history exhibits will move to Riverfront Park, joining our already long list of wonderful, free, family-friendly activities. The Vintage Fashion Show will take place on stage between live musical acts, children’s activities will happen throughout the park, and classic cars will be on display for fans of all ages.
Pick up the latest copy of the Fredericksburg Guidebook to find not only the best of Fredericksburg, but also an article about early travel on roads like US Route 1.
Interested in being part of the Vintage Route 1 event? We need lots of volunteers to help put on this fun-filled day. You can help sell tour tickets, lend a hand at the Jr. Archaeology Lab, or dress up in your vintage 20th-century apparel and help us spread the word! We hope you’ll come join us and help us bring history to life in Fredericksburg. Contact us at route1@hffi.org to get involved.
HFFI would like to thank the Fredericksburg EDA JumpStart! Program and Creative Color Printing and Mailing for supporting the Vintage Route 1 Event.
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