Cooperation for Preservation of Historic Properties by David James, HFFI Board President Since 1955, the Historic Fredericksburg Foundation, Inc. (HFFI) has been devoted to protecting and preserving historic structures and landscapes of our city that give it a true sense of place and authenticity. Recognizing that each modification of an historic building could impact the […]
Ducking Stools in Fredericksburg By: Michael Spencer Ducking stools, “an instrument of punishment for nags, gossips, witches, and difficult individuals”, often consisted of a “…chair suspended from a sweeplike pole” that would be lowered into water.[1] While used throughout Europe during the medieval period, it was also used here in Virginia until the 19th […]
(CONTINUED) Feature on Candlelight Tour House—704 Prince Edward Street Blog Post by Wendy Migdal Edited by Linda Billard Principal Marker Researcher: Roger Engels Kaufman and Hannah Hirsh were not the original owners or builders of the house, however. That distinction belongs to James Turner, who worked as a manager for a local merchant and later […]
Feature on Candlelight Tour House – 704 Prince Edward St Blog Post by Wendy Migdal Principal Researcher: Roger Engels The house at 704 Prince Edward Street, built in 1855, has been home to families large and small, some who were there for years and some for only a short while. But if walls […]
Volunteer and Event / Fundraising Coordinator The Historic Fredericksburg Foundation, Inc. is seeking a Volunteer & Events/ Fundraising Coordinator to work 25 hours per week. Duties would include, but are not limited to the following: Recruiting & Managing Volunteers Monitor volunteers running office during hours of operation Monitor and assist volunteers working on independent projects […]
1210 Sophia Street – Can it be Saved? By HFFI Staff (Updated 5/1/2017) 1210 Sophia Street is in danger of being demolished. If the clock runs out—it will be gone. But there is a chance to relocate this 100+ year old property to a new location. YOU can help save it! Located within […]
Wet or Dry: A History of Prohibition in Fredericksburg By Barbra Anderson “The saloon is the devil’s headquarters on earth,” declared the Anti-Saloon League in the late 1800s. Alcohol was blamed for every social problem: poverty, domestic violence, crime, ill health, and moral turpitude. The average American man drank 88 bottles of whiskey a […]
HFFI Letter to the City, RE: Proposed Townhouses on 300 Block, George Street In regards to the City’s settlement with JON Properties and the townhouses on the 300 block of George Street HFFI was asked for our input on the updated (9/9/16) building design. Though the scale is not optimal to us, we understand […]
A Lesson in the Benefits of Restoration: St. George’s Episcopal Church By Sam Biggers As we celebrate Historic Preservation this May, it is worth remembering the benefits Fredericksburg has seen from the preservation of our built heritage. There are numerous preservation success stories, and one need not look far to see the benefits of […]
Oh Hear That Train Whistle Blowin’ By Olivia R. Blackwell Puffs of smoke billowed up from the engine toward the sky and a cheering crowd gathered around the train as it came to a rumbling stop. It seemed as though everyone in town was gathered at the station, eagerly awaiting the door to open. […]