Blue Ridge Plateau Chapter
BACKGROUND:
The chapter is defined by the footprint of Blue Ridge Plateau, a sub-area of the Blue Ridge physiographic region of southern-southwest Virginia with a geographic center being near Hillsville in Carroll County. The Blue Ridge Plateau Chapter is dedicated to identifying, protecting and preserving the rich archaeological heritage of the region. In recent years, the chapter has undertaken occasional fieldtrips to area historic sites, museums and related cultural heritage venues and events. Members are made aware of projects in the region, as well as available education opportunities.
HISTORY:
The chapter was formed in the Spring of 1999 around volunteer committees of the Carroll County Historical Society, Downtown Hillsville Revitalization Advisory Committee, Western Waters Research, Carroll County Office Economic and Educational Development, and the Carroll County Office of Tourism. The chapter supported the Town of Hillsville Downtown Historic District being nominated the National Register of Historic Places, development of the Carter Pines Community Park, development of the Beaver Dam Creek Community Trail System, and development of Devil’s Den Recreation Area along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Advocacy included preservation of the historic Carroll County Courthouse, the Hale-Wilkinson-Carter Home, the historic Hillsville Town Cemetery, the TAKE CHARGE 2020 Community Visioning Process, and successful nomination of the Carter Hydraulic Water Ram System to the National Register of Historic Places.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
A long-standing initiative has been to provide volunteer support for research activities of the Town of Hillsville Urban Archaeology Program. Much of the program has focused on the late 19th – early 20th Century. Opportunities include archival research, such as deeds and related court records, census and economic data, as well as ceramic and glass mark and pattern research. There are occasional opportunities to assist in archaeological survey, documentation and investigation of historic cultural resources. Preservation activities include the documentation of historic cemeteries, architectural resources such houses, agricultural structures and other elements of the vanishing built environment.
PRESERVATION POLICY:
In keeping with the tenets of best practices, the chapter advocates for the proper care, preservation and protection of known and potential historically significantly cultural resources – both above and below ground.
MEETINGS:
The Chapter meets occasionally during the year. Meetings are usually held at the Carroll County Public Library in Hillsville.
MAILING ADDRESS:
David Rotenizer, Blue Ridge Plateau Chapter / ASV
P.O. Box 1067
Rocky Mount, VA 24151
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