Athenaeum Seeks Community Help to Win Preservation Grants

Old Town Alexandria’s Athenaeum is competing with other Washington, DC metro area historic places to win preservation grants, and the public is asked to chose the places they think most deserve preservation funding.

If chosen, the Athenaeum would use the funds to repair its cracked and peeling stucco façade and its worn front steps.

The Athenaeum is the only Alexandria site chosen to participate in Partners in Preservation, a community-based initiative that will award $1 million to metro area historic places.

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Now through May 10, the community is invited to visit www.PartnersinPreservation.com to help the Athenaeum earn points by voting online and via mobile daily, sharing with friends via Twitter, checking in on Foursquare and taking photos on Instagram.

The site receiving the highest number of points is guaranteed to receive grant funding. At the end of the program, a Partners in Preservation advisory committee comprised of Washington-area civic and preservation leaders will recommend how the remainder of the preservation grants will be awarded. Full details on voting terms and how to earn points for sites can be found at PartnersinPreservation.com.

On May 4-5, the participating historic places will host events during the Partners in Preservation Open House Weekend. Members of the community are invited to visit the Athenaeum and enjoy music, food, meeting local celebrities, and a chance to win door prizes, including a four-hour Friday or Sunday rental of the Athenaeum. Open house guests can learn more about the area's history and help us earn points during in the final days of the program.

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