Danville is honored to be the site of the annual Virginia Preservation Conference on October 18 and 19, 2018. This annual conference is presented by the nonprofit Preservation Virginia alongside the Virginia Department of Historic Resources. The main conference location will be Danville’s Community Market.
The keynote speaker this year will be the well-known Donovan Rypkema, consultant and author of many revitalization and place economics publications. Click here to see the full program and register to attend. The cost of attendance is $155.
In addition to the conference itself, there is a separately-available River Road Bus Tour for $35. Created by the Halifax County Historical Society, this tour has a wealth of historic buildings, sites, and landscapes related to the history of tobacco in Virginia. Stops will include Carter’s Tavern, Melrose Academy (now Elmo Store), Brooklyn Tobacco Factory and Springfield Distillery.
Additional Free Programs Available
In conjunction with the conference, the City of Danville in collaboration with Friends of the Old West End will offer three additional programs. These programs are free and open to the public (no registration required).
- How Did We Get Here and Where Are We Going? – Thursday, October 18, 2018, 9:30 a.m., Council Chambers, 4th floor, Municipal Building, 427 Patton Street.
Beginning with the City’s first acquisition in 2012, 37 more structures have been purchased, a dozen stabilized, neighborhood infrastructure improved, and a strong partnership between the City and Friends of the Old West End developed. We’ll explore how the Old West End National Historic District, once with over 80% rentals and dilapidated structures, is turning around. New owner-occupied homes are taking hold. A trolley and walking tour will follow where you can access some of the homes and see the work being done to revitalize this historic community.
- Old West End Haunted History Tour – Friday, October 19, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. weather permitting. Meet at the information kiosk adjacent to the Danville Museum, 975 Main Street (parking behind).
Discover more about the Old West End National Historic District including its unusual occurrences. Your tour guide will tell about the history of many homes and buildings – including some that are no longer with us. And speaking of “no longer with us,” you’ll also hear about some goings-on that can’t be easily explained.
