Dr. Elizabeth Moore, curator of archaeology at the Virginia Museum of Natural History, was recently appointed to a second term as chairman of the Virginia State Review Board for the Virginia Department of Historic Resources.  The four year term begins January 2011.

“It’s a privilege and an honor to serve as chairman of the Virginia Department of Historic Resources' State Review Board,” Moore said.  "As a researcher, it is rare that the things my colleagues and I do make an immediate impact on others.  This is one of those few occasions where we get to do that in a positive way.  That makes this a personally, as well as professionally, rewarding position to accept."

The State Review Board, which is appointed by the director of the Department of Historic Resources, considers nominations for Virginia buildings and archaeological sites to be placed on the National Register of Historic Places.  The board carefully considers applications and determines whether they fully meet the necessary requirements to be included on the national listing.  If a historical site meets the necessary requirements, the State Review Board votes to recommend to the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) that the property be listed on the National Register.

For the fifth consecutive year, Virginia has led the nation in National Register listings.

"Between 80 and 100 nominations are read each year," Moore said.  "Many of these proposals give fascinating glimpses into the lives of Virginians in the past.  Recently, we voted on a wide variety of resources from one of the few remaining 1940's era diners, to some of the earliest evidence left by Virginia Indians."

Before the board votes on whether each application meets the criteria for the National Register, it always allows the public to speak for or against a historic site’s merit.  Often, a property with great historic significance or sentimental value to individuals and families brings out strong emotions from those closely affected.

Moore recalls a story in which an African American church founded by freed slaves was nominated as a site to be listed on the National Register.  Since the Civil War, the family of those who founded the church have worshiped and worked there.  When many family members took their opportunity to speak in favor of the property’s listing, there were few dry eyes in attendance.  The site was approved.

“Regular people’s histories matter,” Moore said.  “Everyone’s history matters.”