NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release	Contact:	Pamela Cressey
January 21, 2005		703.838.4399

City of Alexandria and Alexandria Archaeological Commission
Recipients of Preservation Award

ALEXANDRIA, VA - The City of Alexandria, the Alexandria Archaeological Commission and Alexandria Archaeology have been selected as recipients of the Mary Mason Anderson Williams Award by the Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities (APVA). The award recognizes "outstanding preservation efforts on the part of a business, civic organization, individuals, or government agency." It was specifically given to Alexandria "in recognition of three decades of ongoing preservation of Alexandria's history and archaeology." The Archaeological Commission celebrates its 30th anniversary in February 2005. It was the first group of its kind in the country.

The award was presented to the Commission's chair, Kathleen Pepper, as a part of the APVA's Legislative Reception on January 18 at St. Paul's Parish Hall in Richmond. Preservationists from across the Commonwealth, as well as legislative representatives, attended. The APVA wrote: "We believe that this is an opportunity to raise awareness of the benefits of preservation, and your efforts exemplify those positive benefits." The City of Alexandria is unique in that it supports archaeology and protection of its historic resources not only through private efforts but also through its city department and its city leadership.

Bill Tabor, Ann Davin and Kathleen Pepper wrote the strong application which details thirty years (1975-2005) of efforts by Alexandrians to preserve, protect, conserve, interpret and promote the city's rich archaeological heritage. The application itself is an important legacy.

Alexandria Archaeological Commission meetings are held on the third Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. Check the City web site, alexandriava.gov, or contact the museum at 703.838.4399 for information on monthly meeting locations.

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