AGENDA DATE: 8/18/2021
TITLE:
Title
River View Farm Historical Marker
BODY
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Request to approve an historical marker for River View Farm at Ivy Creek Natural Area
ITEM TYPE: Consent Action Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Richardson, Walker, Rapp, Maliszewski
PRESENTER (S): N/A
LEGAL REVIEW: Not Required
REVIEWED BY: Jeffrey B. Richardson
BACKGROUND: The Historic Preservation Committee (HPC) has been working with the Office of Equity and Inclusion in support of the Board’s initiative to broaden the scope of our publicly-told histories to be more inclusive of our community by obtaining Virginia Department of Historic Resources (VDHR) approval of new historical markers recognizing stories and contributions of women and people of color. The HPC has coordinated with the Ivy Creek Foundation on draft text for a marker commemorating River View Farm at the Ivy Creek Natural Area. The property is jointly owned by Albemarle County and the City of Charlottesville. The HPC hopes to meet the VDHR September 1 application submittal deadline for consideration by the Board of Historic Resources in December.
STRATEGIC PLAN: Educational Opportunities - Provide lifelong learning opportunities for all our citizens.
DISCUSSION: The text of the historical marker has been drafted to meet VDHR requirements and will educate the public about the farm, its owners, and their accomplishments:
River View Farm 1870-1975 River View Farm became one of the largest African American farmsteads in the region after Emancipation. Formerly enslaved Hugh Carr and wife Texie Mae Hawkins Carr established and grew the successful farm between 1870-1899. Eldest daughter Mary and husband Conly Greer expanded the over 200-acre farm while she served most notably as principal of Albemarle Training School and he as the first African American Albemarle County Agricultural Extension Agent. For nearly a century, River View Farm served as a model farm and hub for local church, education, and civic activities. It is listed on the Virginia Landmarks Register and the National Register of Historic Places.
The marker text was approved by the HPC on June 28, 2021. The proposed marker location is safe. The site is easily approachable and clearly visible to those entering the park on foot. The farmhouse and barn are within view of the marker location (see Attachment A).
BUDGET IMPACT: County funds have already been earmarked for this marker through the Office of Equity and Inclusion’s Cultural-Historical Initiative (Appropriation #2019059).
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Board approve the proposed historical marker for River View Farm.
ATTACHMENTS:
A - Marker location map