Efforts to save Historic Jamestowne gain traction

JAMESTOWN – Historic Jamestowne has secured more than $1.5 million in state funding for its “Save Jamestown” campaign to support urgent flood mitigation efforts. 

The site of America’s first English settlement is facing significant threats from increased flooding and sea-level rise, including loss of land.

The newly allocated funds will support archaeological studies and make it possible to design and construct critical infrastructure, including floodgates, berms and pumping stations. 

In 2022, Jamestown was listed as one of America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places by the National Trust for Historic Preservation in response to the increasing environmental challenges impacting the site.

The threats aren’t only a concern for the future. Foundation leaders say worsening environmental impacts are already upending normal operations, forcing the site to close more frequently every year due to flooding.

“Hundreds of thousands of visitors each year visit the Historic Triangle. Jamestown is essential to understanding our nation’s rich and complex history. However, the James River has risen more than 1.5 feet with projections increasing at an alarming rate,” said Jamestown Rediscovery president and CO Dr. James Horn.

Of particular concern is the safety of artifacts that have been buried at the site for hundreds or even thousands of years. Museum staff say those artifacts are at risk of disappearing because of the effects of water inundation. 

The Save Jamestown campaign stresses that the future of the site as a whole – including its historic landscape, archaeological discoveries, collection and exhibition spaces and educational programming – are in jeopardy. 

McDougle believes the newly secured state funding will play a vital role in kickstarting efforts to protect the site.

“Jamestown is America’s Birthplace. Safeguarding this site for future generations is imperative,” McDougle said. “These funds will help begin the crucial efforts at the Island to protect this Virginia treasure for years to come.”

To date, Save Jamestown has raised $8.5 million dollars in donor support toward the next phase of the work, which involves site analysis, permits and rescue archaeology in at-risk areas. 

“We must act quickly to ensure that Jamestown is protected from a rapidly changing environment. The funding allocated in the state budget will be vital in making that happen,” Horn said. “I am most grateful to Senator McDougle and the state for their support.”

The Foundation is asking for members of the public to help support the Save Jamestown national campaign. For more information, click here.