Preservation – Megan R. Brett

National Park Service’s LBGT Theme Study

On Tuesday, I attended the Department of Interior’s inaugural panel discussion for the new theme study on Lesbian, Gay Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) history in the National Park Service (NPS). The study is part of a larger effort within NPS to ensure that the histories of minority Americans are included and communicated in their sites.…… Continue reading National Park Service’s LBGT Theme Study

No WalMart at the Wilderness

Today, the news came that WalMart had decided not to build on the disputed spot on the Wilderness Battlefield. I am cautiously optimistic. Back in May, 2009, I attended the hearing regarding the WalMart held by the County board of supervisors. I apparently didn’t blog about the meeting afterwards, for which I apologize. Two statements…… Continue reading No WalMart at the Wilderness

Wilderness Update

Nothing from the courts, I’m afraid, but the NTHP has named Wilderness Battlefield as one of America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places for 2010. It’s also worth noting that the #1 most endangered historic place is America’s State Parks and State-Owned Historic Sites. If you have a State-owned historic site or park that you enjoy,…… Continue reading Wilderness Update

Lawsuit on Wilderness Battlefield moves forward

Just an update on Wilderness Battlefield: the judge has ruled that the lawsuit brought by local residents, the Friends of Wilderness Battlefield, and the National Trust for Historic Preservation can move forward, although the NTHP has been dropped as a plaintiff since they apparently do not qualify as an affected party. Read the full press…… Continue reading Lawsuit on Wilderness Battlefield moves forward

Fight continues over historic battlefield

The National Trust for Historic Preservation and six individuals are suing Orange County to try and overturn the August decision to let WalMart build on Wilderness Battlefield. Fredericksburg news reports that the National Parks Conservation Association and the Civil War Preservation Trust are asking to be included.

Disappointed but not surprised

The Board of Supervisors for Orange County, VA, has approved at WalMart on the Wilderness Battlefield; see the coverage from the Associated Press and the NTHP’s blog entry. One of the comments on the NTHP blog states a “fact” which was circulated by the pro-WalMart groups, but in fact parts of the battle were fought…… Continue reading Disappointed but not surprised