Preservation Resource Links

Part of PHW's mission is to better educate citizens on the value and potential in historic structures, which includes directing you to the resources you need.

National Preservation Resources

  • National Trust for Historic Preservation - A nonprofit membership organization providing education, leadership, and resources to preservationists across America. Includes National Trust Forum Online publications (requires paid membership) and Main Street Program for commercial district revitalization.

  • National Park Service - Part of the Department of the Interior that oversees several preservation-minded programs in addition to the national parks network. Includes the National Register of Historic Places, Preservation Briefs, Federal Tax Incentives, Teaching with Historic Places, and National Center for Preservation Training and Technology.

  • Advisory Council on Historic Preservation - Independent federal agency that serves as the primary federal policy advisor to the President and Congress.

  • National Conference of State Historic Preservation Officers - Professional association of the State government officials who carry out the national historic preservation program.

  • CountyOffice.org - Search or browse by state for local officials and institutions across the USA.

  • National Register of Historic Places - Directory sorting the National Register properties by state and county.

  • PreservationDirectory.com - Online directory for historic preservation, building restoration, and cultural resource management. Includes historic properties for sale, grant and job listings, building products and services, and preservation events and conferences.

  • Library of Congress - The Library of Congress is the nation's oldest federal cultural institution and is also the largest library in the world. Their website contains digital collections of newspapers, photographs, documentary drawings, and recordings.


    • State Preservation Resources

  • Preservation Virginia - Nonprofit, statewide organization for protecting Virginia's historic resources.

  • Virginia Department of Historic Resources - State government agency (SHPO) for the stewardship of Virginia's significant historic, architectural, archaeological, and cultural resources. Oversees the Virginia Landmarks Register and Virginia's Financial Incentives and Grants for preservation.

  • Virginia Main Street Program - Helps localities revitalize the economic vitality of downtown commercial districts using the National Main Street Center's Main Street Approach.

  • Virginia Foundation for the Humanities - Nonprofit organization striving to bring the humanities fully into Virginia's public life.

  • Encyclopedia Virginia - A growing reference site on the people, places, and institutions of Virginia, published by VFH.

  • Library of Virginia - Search the state library holdings, including many digitized images and manuscripts.

  • Virginia.org - Directory of statewide events and tourist attractions.


    • Regional Preservation Resources

  • Historic Fredericksburg Foundation - Nonprofit dedicated to preserve, protect and revitalize the distinctive historic environment of the Fredericksburg area.

  • Clarke County Historical Association - Operates a museum and archives in Berryville, and owns the 18th century Burwell-Morgan Mill, the Miller's House, and the historic Tollhouse in Millwood.

  • Warren Heritage Society - Front Royal/Warren County community historical society, archives, and museum.

  • Newtown History Center - Offers museum exhibits and tours focusing on the people and events of Stephens City.

  • Historic Staunton Foundation - Non-profit organization promoting the preservation and revitalization of the rich architectural and historic resources in Staunton.

  • Northern Virginia Conservation Trust - Non-profit land trust dedicated to preserving Northern Virginia's open space.

  • Shenandoah at War - Website of Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation, which works to protect, interpret, and promote Civil War battlefields.

  • Valley Conservation Council - Promotes land use that sustains the farms, forests, open spaces, and cultural heritage of the Shenandoah Valley region of Virginia.


    • Local Preservation Resources

  • City of Winchester - Local government which oversees the local historic district, Old Town, and other programs aimed at maintaining and revitalizing the historic town core.

  • Old Town Advancement Commission assists property owners and potential and existing business owners with information on all aspects of doing business in Old Town. See also:

  • Winchester Historic District - Information on the historic district of Winchester, which encompasses the core downtown and outlying business and residential areas. See also:

  • Frederick County Government - Local government which oversees the historic properties and land outside the Winchester city limits. See also:
    • Conservation Easement Authority - A program for landowners to voluntarily place easements on their land to maintain its rural integrity.
    • Historic Resources Advisory Board - The advisory body which provides guidance to the Frederick County Board of Supervisors and Planning Commission on development proposals which impact the historic resources of Frederick County.

  • Winchester-Frederick County Historical Society - Non-profit organization interested in the preservation and expansion of knowledge about the Northern Shenandoah Valley, with geographical focus on the City of Winchester and Frederick County.

  • Handley Regional Library - Regional library which is also home to the Stewart Bell Jr. Archives, the premier source of information about local history.

  • Mount Hebron Cemetery - Looking for an ancestor who may be buried in Winchester? Mount Hebron Cemetery has a searchable database of burial records available online.