History group goes high tech

By Cheryl Chumley

Published: August 28, 2008

It’s been years in the making, but Prince William’s Historic Preservation Foundation has entered the world of technology and launched a new Web site.

The 501(c)3 began operations in 2003 "to enhance historic preservation funding," according to a recent press release from the nonprofit. But members were unable to find the financial resources necessary to start a Web page until now, said the foundation's treasurer, Sharon Pandak.

"We're a private organization and while the county provides some administrative and secretarial sup-port just to get up and running," the bulk of funding comes from donations, she said.

It's hoped the site, http://www.pwhpf.org, will help with donations as well as "dramatically increase the presence of the foundation," Pandak said.

The Web site provides a virtual tour of the county's historic areas: Bristow Station, Rippon Lodge, Brents-ville Courthouse and the Lucasville School, to name a few. Along with photographs, the site also includes descrip-tions of each property and historical structure. For instance, Lucasville is "Prince William County's last remaining school built specifically for African-American children," the site reads.

"The original one-room school was built in 1883 for citizens living in the Lucas neighborhood, and operated until 1926," the site continues. "The restored school will invite visitors to learn about the people who lived in the Lucasville community, and the 19 and 20 century experience of African-Americans in [the county]."

The new Web site provides a section for donations, with memberships starting at $35, or $10 for students, and up to $1,000 for corporations.

Staff writer Cheryl Chumley can be reached at 703-670-1907.