From UMW
The Historic Fredericksburg Foundation (HFFI) presented the University of Mary Washington’s historic preservation faculty with its 2018 President’s Exceptional Service Award. The award, given at HFFI’s annual meeting Sunday, March 11, recognizes the master teachers for their leadership and initiative in support of preservation through education and volunteering.
“The faculty of the Department of Historic Preservation provide a relevant and valuable education not only to their students, but to the Fredericksburg community,” said Sandra Erickson, director of operations for HFFI, a nonprofit organization devoted to protecting the historical and cultural resources of the Fredericksburg area.
The faculty and their students have made a major impact on historic preservation in the area, according to Erickson. “They donate their time and knowledge to help preserve and protect the local area, and to share their knowledge with the community.”
Among their volunteer community initiatives, members of the department lead tours like “Dead in Fred” and “Tunnel Vision” that highlight local historic resources. Students majoring in historic preservation also volunteer and participate in internships for HFFI.
“We love working with HFFI,” said Andrea Livi-Smith, associate professor of historic preservation and chair of the department. “They are a wonderful asset in Fredericksburg, and partnering with them allows us to better serve our mission to the University and to the city.”
UMW’s historic preservation program is one of the few such programs in the country. Other faculty include Michael Spencer, associate professor and director of the Center for Historic Preservation; associate professors Cristina Turdean and Daniel Hubbard; assistant professors Christine Henry and Lauren McMillan; and adjunct instructors Emily Williams and Gillian Bearns.
