Botetourt County Historical Society, Inc. (BCHS) is participating in the Virginia Association of Museums’ (VAM) Top 10 Endangered Artifacts campaign. This initiative, dedicated to preserving and highlighting the cultural heritage of Virginia, aims to raise awareness and support for endangered artifacts across the state.
As a main cultural institution in Botetourt County, BCHS is committed to safeguarding and celebrating the rich history and diverse narratives of the community. Through participation in the Top 10 Endangered Artifacts project, the BCHS seeks to shed light on the invaluable treasures within its collection that are in need of preservation and conservation efforts.
The artifact selected for this year represents a significant piece of the Historical Society’s collection that faces various preservation challenges, ranging from deterioration due to age, general wear-and-tear, to lack of funding for conservation efforts. By nominating this artifact for the Top 10 Endangered Artifacts campaign, the BCHS aims to rally support from the community and beyond to ensure their long-term preservation and accessibility for future generations.
The artifact that BCHS has submitted for this year’s Top 10 is a guest register from the Hayth Hotel, circa 1897. Fincastle has been a main hub of Botetourt since the county’s founding in 1770. This gave way to the need for lodging for those heading to the county seat to conduct business at the courthouse, as a stop as they travelled onward, or as a leisurely vacation spot near all the healing springs within the county boundaries. What remains of the Hayth Hotel sits across from the courthouse, near the corner of Roanoke and Back Streets; but in its heyday, the hotel boasted many guestrooms, a ballroom, and all the amenities that visitors might want during their travels. Vote for BCHS’s submission at https://poll.fm/13356456.
“We are honored to be a part of this year’s VAM Top 10 Endangered Artifacts, which provides a platform for raising awareness about the importance of preserving our cultural heritage,” said BCHS Executive Director Lynsey Crantz Allie. “Through this initiative, we hope to engage our community in conversations about the significance of the artifacts we house and the need for their ongoing care and conservation.”
BCHS invites county residents, supporters, and history enthusiasts to advocate for the preservation of these endangered artifacts by voting in VAM’s Top 10 Endangered Artifacts campaign. “By casting your vote, you will contribute to the safeguarding of our shared cultural heritage and ensuring that these treasures continue to inspire and educate for years to come,” Allie said.
To learn more about Virginia Association of Museums Top 10 Endangered Artifacts, visit www.vamuseums.org/virginia-top-10-endangered-artifacts
Follow Botetourt County Historical Society, Inc. on Facebook and Instagram to learn more about what it has going on and how you can support preservation efforts.
~ Fincastle Herald staff report
