Historic Resources Committee
Historic Resources Committee
Fri, July 10, 2026
Agenda items
Vote records
Discussion summary
Transcript
Agenda items (66)
Procedural (66)
1ProceduralCall to order [10:00]
The meeting officially begins at 10:00 AM.
2ProceduralApproval of the Agenda
Council members will review and vote to approve the agenda for this meeting.
3ProceduralMeeting Minutes May 8, 2026 [Attached to this agenda.]
Council members will review and approve the official minutes from the May 8, 2026 meeting.
4ProceduralPublic Comment* [10:10, 5 minutes]
Residents will have 5 minutes to speak publicly on any topic relevant to the council.
5ProceduralHRC Membership Changes [10:15, 5 minutes]
The council will discuss changes to who serves on the Historic Resources Committee, including new and departing members.
6ProceduralWelcome new member: Jonathan Rice
Jonathan Rice is being welcomed as a new member of the Historic Resources Committee.
7ProceduralDowntown Mall 50th Anniversary 2026 [10:15, 15 minutes]
The committee is planning activities to celebrate the Downtown Mall's 50th anniversary in 2026.
8ProceduralBeloved Cville [10:30, 5 minutes]
The committee is receiving an update on Beloved Community Cville's activities and events.
9ProceduralACHS [10:40, 5 minutes]
The committee is receiving an update from the Albemarle County Historical Society.
10ProceduralLiberty Bell Replica [11:15, 10 minutes]
A brief discussion about a Liberty Bell Replica, scheduled for 10 minutes at 11:15 AM.
11ProceduralNeighborhood Walking Tours - BPAC [11:40, 5 minutes]
A 5-minute update at 11:40 AM on neighborhood walking tours being organized by the Board of Architectural Review and Planning (BPAC).
12ProceduralACHS-HRC Internship Collaboration [11:25, 15 minutes]
Discussion of a partnership between Albemarle County High School and the city's Historic Resources Committee to create internship opportunities, scheduled for 15 minutes.
13ProceduralStaff Updates [11:40, 20 minutes]
City staff will provide updates on ongoing projects and initiatives, scheduled for 20 minutes.
14ProceduralReview virtual update provided by O. Brown 10.Rules of Procedure [11:00, 10 minutes]
O. Brown will provide a virtual update on activities from the Albemarle County Historical Society.
15ProceduralReview HRC rules of procedure, revised August, 2017.
The council will review the Historic Resources Committee's rules of procedure, last revised in August 2017.
16ProceduralAdjourn [12:00 PM]
The meeting will conclude at 12:00 PM.
17ProceduralCheck-in from B. Bergen
B. Bergen will check in with updates on the Liberty Bell replica project.
19ProceduralJune - Locust Grove (J. Trompetter – update on walk)
J. Trompetter will provide an update on a June walking tour planned for the Locust Grove neighborhood.
20ProceduralJuly - Lewis Mountain (B. Bergen)
B. Bergen will lead discussion of a July walking tour planned for the Lewis Mountain neighborhood.
21ProceduralSeptember - Martha Jefferson & Little High (volunteer needed)
The city is seeking a volunteer to help organize or oversee community engagement activities at Martha Jefferson and Little High schools in September.
22ProceduralOctober - Barracks Rd/Rugby (L. Pola)
A scheduled review or project update for October concerning Barracks Road and Rugby Avenue, with L. Pola leading the discussion.
23ProceduralDecember – Belmont HRC Agenda – July 10, 2026 (6.25.26) 1
Administrative scheduling note for the Belmont Historic Resources Committee's agenda meeting planned for July 10, 2026.
25ProceduralContinued discussion: opportunity for join-internship – online system for BPAC walking tour flyers
Continued planning for a joint internship program that would develop an online system to manage and distribute walking tour flyers for the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission.
27ProceduralCourt Square Banners
Discussion about decorative or informational banners displayed in Court Square.
28ProceduralOther staff information - TBD
Time reserved for additional staff information or announcements to be determined.
30ProceduralEducation
The committee will discuss education-related initiatives or programs.
31ProceduralPublic commemoration (historic plaques, signs, markers, and civic festivals and ceremonies)
The committee addresses public commemoration efforts including historic plaques, signs, markers, and community events or ceremonies.
32ProceduralPublications (maps, brochures, tour books, and digital media)
Discussion of printed and digital materials the city produces, such as maps, brochures, tour guides, and online content.
33ProceduralPublic meetings (planning sessions, workshops, and lectures)
The committee plans public meetings and events including planning sessions, workshops, and educational lectures.
34ProceduralAnd through other means. *Regarding public comment(s). The HRC values community participation and input and welcomes public comments at meetings. At the beginning of each meeting, not more than 10 minutes will be allowed for the introduction of any guests and public comments. Speakers may speak for a maximum of two-minutes and shall begin by identifying their name and address. The intent is to allow public input; not initiate a dialogue or debate with the committee. Subsequent to this meeting segment, by majority approval the HRC may amend the agenda to allow further discussion; however, the motion should also establish a time limit for that discussion. Additionally, prior to adjourning--and applying the conditions above--the HRC may allow a period not to exceed five minutes for public comment. **Individuals with disabilities who require assistance or special arrangements to participate in the public meeting may call the ADA Coordinator at (434) 970-3182 or submit a request via email to ada@charlottesville.gov . The City of Charlottesville requests that you provide a 48 hour notice so that proper arrangements may be made. HRC Agenda – July 10, 2026 (6.25.26) 2
This item outlines the city's public comment procedures and accessibility accommodations: residents may speak for up to two minutes during designated public comment periods (10 minutes at the start and 5 minutes at the end of meetings), and individuals needing disability accommodations should contact the ADA Coordinator at least 48 hours in advance.
39ProceduralNotes that Preservation Piedmont will have 3-5 new participants in their African American
Preservation Piedmont will welcome 3-5 new participants to their African American preservation initiative.
40ProceduralTodd Arrington was named the new Executive Director of the Jamestown Rediscovery
Todd Arrington has been appointed as the new Executive Director of the Jamestown Rediscovery foundation or program.
41ProceduralAttendance at many non-250th related historic sites is down; please encourage people to visit historic sites
The city is asking community members to help boost attendance at local historic sites outside of the 250th anniversary celebrations, which have seen declining visitor numbers.
42ProceduralPreservation Piedmont is doing "technical things" such as HVAC for the interior of the Woolen Mills Chapel including exterior drainage repairs
Preservation Piedmont is performing maintenance and repairs on the Woolen Mills Chapel, including HVAC system work inside the building and fixing exterior drainage issues.
44ProceduralC. Martz – Thank you for service
The committee is recognizing and thanking C. Martz for their service.
45ProceduralNew member recruitment efforts Reminder: there are two vacant seats; please encourage applications. Seats are filled quarterly. (Jonathan Rice applied last quarter and will join the HRC in June.)
With two open seats on the Historic Resources Committee, city officials are encouraging residents to apply; seats are filled quarterly, and applicant Jonathan Rice will join in June.
47ProceduralDraft policy to review – J. Basic Continued discussion on how to address requests for HRC to support or recommend honorary naming of community individuals: Chair J. Basic sent the draft policy in an email prior to the meeting The main points of discussion were: Reducing, expanding, or eliminating the length of time a person must be deceased prior to being nominated HRC Meeting Minutes – May 8, 2026 (5.11.26) 1 SOLUTION: do not state a time limitation but instead make the time-based criteria dependent on the method of honoring (e.g. permanent plaque vs. temporary banner) wording: “temporal aspect of memorialization dependent on the method of memorialization" suggestion from O. Brown. Re-word the "Policy Statement:" last sentence of the 1st paragraph and last paragraph; remove "academic" and replace with terms such as researched, sourced, and cited. How to let the public and City departments know that the policy exists and where to go for assistance (given the HRC will only address internally-nominated people) The difference between Commemorating vs. Honoring vs. Memorializing and how those definitions are applied to our policy creation Need to add in "and others" to increase potential honoring methods Need to add a documentation and research statement HRC will run draft nominations through test cases wherein HRC volunteers will complete sample forms to work on "debugging" the process K.Richardson noted the draft policy (with or without the draft nomination form) will go through City legal review prior to a formal acceptance vote by HRC.
The Historic Resources Committee is refining its draft policy on how to handle requests to honor or memorialize community members, including adjusting time requirements based on the type of memorial (such as permanent plaques versus temporary banners), improving policy language, and testing the nomination process before final approval.
49ProceduralUpdate – L. Pola & D. Berry
L. Pola and D. Berry are providing an update on Downtown Mall 50th anniversary activities.
50ProceduralReview design for kiosk signs – J. Trompetter Jen Trompetter presented the graphics for the kiosk faces during the meeting; after very minor edits she will send directly to Frontrunner Signs for proofs. O.Brown requested receipt of all physical and virtual data and responses collected during the process to include in the ACHS archives. All HRC-related DTM 50th responsibilities appear to be on track.
After reviewing and making minor edits to the kiosk sign designs, the committee will send them to the sign maker for production; all project materials will be archived by the Albemarle County Historical Society.
52ProceduralReview update provided by E. Shillue Sarah Anne Kelley: Becoming Visible: A free Community Event - Saturday, June 6 from 2 pm - 3:30 pm in the Swanson Room at Central Library Please join Beloved Community Cville to celebrate Sarah Ann Kelley's life and legacy! BCC will be unveiling a bust of Sarah Kelley...and giving a sneak peak of Field Studio's documentary film about her life's work. [See attached flyer]
Beloved Community Cville is hosting a free community event on Saturday, June 6 from 2–3:30 pm at Central Library to celebrate Sarah Anne Kelley's life and legacy, featuring a bust unveiling and a preview of a documentary film about her work.
54ProceduralReview update provided by O. Brown
O. Brown is providing a report on Albemarle County Historical Society activities.
55ProceduralThursday, May 14 at 6pm at The Center at Belvedere, Learning Center A (Room 206) - Next Historic Preservation Lecture will feature speakers from Beloved Community Cville/Tours in a talk titled "Shining Light on Charlottesville's Hidden History" - Tickets can be reserved HERE
A free historic preservation lecture titled "Shining Light on Charlottesville's Hidden History" will be held on Thursday, May 14 at 6 pm at The Center at Belvedere, featuring speakers from Beloved Community Cville who will discuss the city's overlooked history.
56ProceduralThursday, May 21 at The Center at Belvedere, Auditorium - VA250 Program Series - Women and the Fight for Inclusion: A Local to National Look (featuring a panel of speakers including Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan) - Tickets can be reserved HERE
A panel discussion about women's fight for inclusion from local to national perspectives, including Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan, will be held on Thursday, May 21 at The Center at Belvedere as part of the Virginia 250 program series.
57ProceduralContinuing every Saturday for our three regular walking tours - 10am, 11:30am, 1pm
Historic walking tours are offered every Saturday at 10 am, 11:30 am, and 1 pm.
58ProceduralTour Information can be found HERE HRC Meeting Minutes – May 8, 2026 (5.11.26) 2 Then & Now Exhibition at Vault Virginia
A "Then & Now" exhibition at Vault Virginia showcases Charlottesville in the 1970s, featuring the construction of the Downtown Mall, civic leadership, and social activism.
59ProceduralExhibition related to Charlottesville in the 1970s - the construction of the Downtown Mall, civic leadership, and social activism.
The exhibition focuses on Charlottesville during the 1970s, exploring the Downtown Mall's construction, civic leadership decisions, and social activism of that era.
60ProceduralOpen Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm, at Vault Virginia (300 E Main Street in the Bradbury/Peoples' National Bank building)
Vault Virginia, located at 300 E Main Street in the historic Bradbury/Peoples' National Bank building, is open Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm.
61ProceduralFriday, May 15 at 12pm in the exhibition - Special gallery tour led by Olivia to talk about the creation of the exhibit, the history, and a behind-the-scenes look at its creation - More information HERE
A special gallery tour led by Olivia on Friday, May 15 at noon where residents can learn about how an exhibit was created, its historical background, and get behind-the-scenes access to the creation process.
63ProceduralCheck-in on communication with Fire Department Bill Bergen's Liberty Bell report will go into the BAR application for the 5th Street Fire Station front entrance re-design LINK to the 5th Street Fire Station ADA Entrance Re-design plans
Staff will update the group on communications with the Fire Department regarding Bill Bergen's Liberty Bell report, which will be included in the design application for redesigning the front entrance of the 5th Street Fire Station to improve accessibility.
65ProceduralMay – Rose Hill
A neighborhood walking tour of Rose Hill scheduled for May.
66ProceduralJune - Locust Grove (J. Trompetter)
A neighborhood walking tour of Locust Grove scheduled for June, led by J. Trompetter.
67ProceduralJuly - Lewis Mountain (B. Bergen)
A neighborhood walking tour of Lewis Mountain scheduled for July, led by B. Bergen.
68ProceduralSeptember - Martha Jefferson & Little High (volunteer needed)
A neighborhood walking tour of Martha Jefferson and Little High neighborhoods scheduled for September; volunteers are being sought to lead this tour.
69ProceduralOctober - Barracks Rd/Rugby (L. Pola)
A neighborhood walking tour of Barracks Road and Rugby neighborhoods scheduled for October, led by L. Pola.
70ProceduralDecember – Belmont 12.ACHS-HRC Internship Collaboration [11:45, 15 minutes]
A 15-minute discussion at 11:45 AM about a potential internship collaboration between the Architectural and City History (ACHS) committee and the Heritage and Records Commission.
71ProceduralOpportunity for join-internship – online system for BPAC walking tour flyers J.Basic and O. Brown met to discuss how to coordinate a joint intern project Interns would come from the UVa Institute for Public History or Internship Placement Program The current idea is to have an intern translate the existing BPAC Walking Tour historic flyers into an interactive database such as ArcGIS StoryMaps Public history interns work through the summer while IPP internships are year-round J.Basic agreed to develop the project design for the Walking Tour Flyer translation, so the HRC is ready to apply when the internship applications open. 13.Staff Updates
Staff will discuss plans to hire a joint intern from UVa's public history or internship placement programs to convert existing BPAC walking tour flyers into an interactive online database using technology like ArcGIS StoryMaps.
72ProceduralCourt Square Banners
A staff update regarding banners displayed in Court Square.
73ProceduralArchival project update and visit from UVA special collections
Staff will provide an update on an archival project and report on a visit or meeting with UVA's special collections department.
74ProceduralOther staff information - TBD Scholars at Uva have contacted staff regarding interest in the City's Vinegar Hill archival collection- book on the topic is under development.
UVA scholars have expressed interest in the city's Vinegar Hill archival collection, and a book on the subject is currently being developed.
75ProceduralThere was a question about who should house this collection, O. Brown stated that The Jefferson School should be given the first opportunity to receive the collections; ACHS would gladly take them if JSAAHC declines.
Staff recommends that The Jefferson School be given the first opportunity to house the city's Vinegar Hill archival collection, with the Architectural and City History Society willing to accept it if The Jefferson School declines.
76ProceduralIf JSAAHC chooses to house the collection, the City might consider first digitizing the materials and then executing an agreement that allows City staff and non-City researchers to access the collections and use the items (e.g. photographs, maps, writings) as a co-owner (i.e. no copyright or usage permissions required) HRC Meeting Minutes – May 8, 2026 (5.11.26) 3 K.Richardson noted that the annual HRC update to City Council is approaching and will keep Julie informed about dates. 16.Adjourn [12:00 PM]
If The Jefferson School accepts the Vinegar Hill collection, the city may digitize the materials first and then create an agreement allowing city staff and outside researchers to access and use the items as co-owners without requiring copyright permissions.
77ProceduralEducation
This item relates to the commission's education initiatives and programs.
78ProceduralPublic commemoration (historic plaques, signs, markers, and civic festivals and ceremonies)
This item relates to public commemoration efforts including historic plaques, signs, markers, and civic festivals and ceremonies.
79ProceduralPublications (maps, brochures, tour books, and digital media)
This item relates to publications such as maps, brochures, tour books, and digital media produced by the commission.
80ProceduralPublic meetings (planning sessions, workshops, and lectures)
This item relates to public meetings including planning sessions, workshops, and lectures organized by the commission.
81ProceduralAnd through other means. *Regarding public comment(s). The HRC values community participation and input and welcomes public comments at meetings. At the beginning of each meeting, not more than 10 minutes will be allowed for the introduction of any guests and public comments. Speakers may speak for a maximum of two-minutes and shall begin by identifying their name and address. The intent is to allow public input; not initiate a dialogue or debate with the committee. Subsequent to this meeting segment, by majority approval the HRC may amend the agenda to allow further discussion; however, the motion should also establish a time limit for that discussion. Additionally, prior to adjourning--and applying the conditions above--the HRC may allow a period not to exceed five minutes for public comment. **Individuals with disabilities who require assistance or special arrangements to participate in the public meeting may call the ADA Coordinator at (434) 970-3182 or submit a request via email to ada@charlottesville.gov . The City of Charlottesville requests that you provide a 48 hour notice so that proper arrangements may be made. HRC Meeting Minutes – May 8, 2026 (5.11.26) 4
This item outlines the Human Rights Commission's rules for public comment at their meetings, allowing up to 10 minutes total at the start and end of each meeting, with individual speakers limited to 2 minutes each. It also provides information for people with disabilities who need accommodations to attend, directing them to contact the ADA Coordinator.