Parks & Recreation

The Prince William County Department of Parks & Recreation will host a public meeting on the Thoroughfare Historic Park Master Plan on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at 10:00 am at Tyler Elementary School located at 14500 John Marshall Hwy, Gainesville, VA 20155. This meeting will focus exclusively on the Master Plan for the county-owned property in Thoroughfare and is separate from the Planning Office’s work on the National Register of Historic Places nomination and the Thoroughfare Historic Overlay District. The Master Plan is a framework for developing the county-owned parcels into a publicly-accessible historic park, while simultaneously preserving and protecting the two cemeteries on the property.

Prince William County is working with Land Collective to create this plan, which will be developed with input from the community through public meetings. We welcome all members of the community to join us and share thoughts and ideas toward a vision for the future of Thoroughfare Historic Park through interactive planning exercises. County staff and representatives from Land Collective will be on hand to guide the meeting and solicit feedback from attendees. For additional information about the meeting, please contact [email protected].

Between January 19-21, 2026, Mead & Hunt (former Dovetail Cultural Resource Group) will be performing what is known as a Phase I archaeology survey supported by some archival research on the four parcels (exclusive of the Potter's Field) owned by the County intended for a future historic park. The work will build on previous studies and involve a more nuanced review of the historical use of these four parcels and an evaluation of the potential to contain intact archaeological sites.  The study includes surveying first through a pedestrian walkover to identify evidence of use based on surface features, note areas of disturbance, and map locations with the potential to contain intact soils; and then shovel test pits (measuring about 1 foot in diameter) will be systematically dug along a set grid. Any features would be noted, and artifacts will be bagged and distributed back to the County after processing. A 25-foot buffer will be added to all known cemetery boundaries to avoid any accidental disturbance. Additionally, archival research focusing on the historic use and owners and occupants of the four parcels will be conducted. Lastly, Geographic Information System (GIS)-based mapping tools will be utilized to create visualizations showing historic land use. A report summarizing the conclusions of the archaeological survey will also be produced and posted.

The Prince William County Planning Office will host a public meeting on the Thoroughfare Historic Overlay District initiative on Monday September 29, 2025, at 6:00pm at the Haymarket-Gainesville Library located at 14870 Lightner Rd, Haymarket, VA 20169. The purpose of this meeting will be to discuss the status of efforts to prepare National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and Virginia Landmark Register (VLR) nominations for the Thoroughfare community and the needed efforts required to create the Thoroughfare Historic Overlay District.  The Prince William County Board of County Supervisors initiated a zoning text amendment (Res. No. 21-358) on June 15, 2021, to explore creating a Historic Zoning Overlay District for the Thoroughfare Community in the Gainesville and Brentsville Districts for the purpose of managing change within the community to preserve the physical history of one of the County’s historic African American communities.  Planning Office Staff will be on hand at the September 29 Meeting to discuss the scope of work, timeline, and the initial steps in the Historic Overlay District process.  Ways the community can contribute their input and views for the historic overlay zoning district will also be discussed at this meeting.  Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback.  Remote access to the meeting also will be provided.  For additional information about the meeting, including remote access requests, please contact Eric Griffitts at [email protected] or 703-792-4544.

Greetings,

For the last several months, County Staff have been working with the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (VDHR) staff to expand the proposed boundaries for the Thoroughfare National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) nomination. The boundary expansion was brought before the State National Register Review Board meeting on June 12, 2025. During the meeting, the State Review Board pulled the case from the consent agenda to discuss the archaeological merits for the expanded areas. The review board did not resolve their discussion and instead voted to defer the case to a later date to allow for more time for review and consideration of the archaeological potential.

Given the uncertainty regarding the timeline for the NRHP nomination, the Planning Office has decided to move forward with efforts to start work on the Historic Overlay District, which ultimately will require approval by the Board of County Supervisors. As part of the initial tasks for this effort, the Planning Office will hold a community meeting about the Historic Overlay District effort in the fall of 2025. The purpose of the community meeting will be to provide information that will better inform homeowners and stakeholders of the purpose and intent of the historic overlay district and how it will affect land use in the Thoroughfare community. The community meeting will also provide a chance for property owners to provide their input on potential historic overlay district boundaries and identify areas of concern or questions about the effort. The time and location of the community meeting is yet to be determined and will be provided in a separate communication later this summer. For more information on the project, please contact Eric Griffitts via email at [email protected] or by phone at 703-792-4544.

The Prince William County Planning Office will host a public meeting on Thursday November 14, 2024, at 7:30pm at Tyler Elementary School at 14500 John Marshal Highway, Gainesville, VA 20155 to discuss efforts to prepare National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and Virginia Landmark Register (VLR) nominations for the Thoroughfare community. The NRHP and VSL nominations represent the initial task of the Planning Office’s effort to investigate creating the Thoroughfare Historic Overlay District.  The Prince William County Board of County Supervisors initiated a zoning text amendment (Res. No. 21-358) on June 15, 2021, to explore creating a Historic Zoning Overlay District for the Thoroughfare Community in the Gainesville District for the purpose of managing change within the community to preserve the physical history of one of the County’s historic African American communities.  Planning Office Staff and representatives of the project consultant, Dovetail Cultural Resources Group, will be on hand at the November 14 meeting to discuss the National Register process, ongoing activities, timeline, and goals for the project. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback.  Remote access will be provided for those who cannot be physically present at the meeting.  For additional information about the meeting, including requests for remote access, please contact Eric Griffitts at [email protected] or 703-792-4544.

Due to conflicts with other County meetings on the same night, the Prince William County Planning Office will have to cancel the scheduled public meeting for the Thoroughfare Historic District on September 16, 2024, at 6:00pm at the Haymarket-Gainesville Library located at 14870 Lightner Rd, Haymarket, VA 20169.  The meeting will be rescheduled to a new date to be determined in the near future.  Additional information will be posted in a new update once an meeting date, time, and place has been determined.  For additional information about the project, including future meetings, please contact Eric Griffitts at [email protected] or 703-792-4544.

UPDATE 8-23-2024:  Presentation and Questions and Answers provided in the links below.  The Prince William County Planning Office will host a public meeting on an initiative to create the Thoroughfare Historic Overlay District on Monday June 17, 2024, at 6:00pm at the Haymarket-Gainesville Library located at 14870 Lightner Rd, Haymarket, VA 20169. The Prince William County Board of County Supervisors initiated this zoning text amendment (Res. No. 21-358) on June 15, 2021. The goal of this project involves exploring creating a Historic Zoning Overlay District for the Thoroughfare Community in the Gainesville District for the purpose of managing change within the community to preserve the physical history of one of the County’s historic African American communities. The June 17 meeting will briefly recap completed historical research and will discuss upcoming steps planned for the project.   The Planning Office will work with the community, property owners and stakeholders throughout this effort. Community members will have the opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback.  Please visit https://www.pwcva.gov/planning or call 703-792-4544 for more information.

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The Office of Historic Preservation is currently incorporating community input into the Thoroughfare Story Map, which can be viewed here. Once community edits are finalized, this exhibit will be adapted to a physical pop-up exhibit about Thoroughfare which will travel to different sites throughout Prince William County.

Thanks to the grant through the Commonwealth History Fund, this week a board fence was installed around Potter's Field, replacing and extending the previous fence. The installation was completed under the supervision of preservation staff members.

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Trees and brush on the perimeter of Potter's Field were recently trimmed in preparation for a new fence. Thanks to the grant through the Commonwealth History Fund, a board fence will be installed in September around the cemetery.

Please see below for the updated Thoroughfare Oral History Report:

Thoroughfare Oral History Report

Please see below for the finalized oral history report from the Thoroughfare Historic Recordation Project (see July 11, 2023 Update for updated oral history report).

Thoroughfare Oral History Report

The final GPR report from Allen Homeplace/Potter's Field is linked below:

Allen Homeplace/Potter's Field Final GPR Report

The draft GPR Report from the study at Potters Field is below:

GPR Report Potters Field

In late January, the survey portion of the Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) study at Potters Field concluded. Thanks to a Commonwealth History Fund grant from the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, this project will help delineate the boundaries of the cemetery and provide more information about the number of burials. While the initial data has been gathered, the final report in a few months will give more information about the study's findings. Once the report has been reviewed by County staff it will be shared with the public.

Work is currently ongoing to clear the area around Potters Field of brush and overgrowth in preparation for the upcoming Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) project later this winter. The area between the new fence and Fletcher-Allen on the western boundary line of County property was also cleared to make way for a future vegetative buffer.

A fence was installed today on the western boundary line of the County property at Thoroughfare. This partially encloses the parcel that contains Fletcher-Allen Cemetery. In the coming weeks, the area behind Potters Field/Peyton Cemetery will be cleared of brush and overgrowth. This will be conducted under the supervision of County preservation staff in preparation for the Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) survey later this winter.

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Over the next few months the Office of Historic Preservation will be overseeing two cultural resource management projects at Potters Field/Peyton Cemetery. First, the area behind this cemetery on County property will be cleared of brush, overgrowth, and small trees, all under the supervision of preservation staff. This clearing is to prepare for the Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) survey this winter, which the County received a Commonwealth History Fund Grant for in July 2022. This noninvasive survey will aim to detect gravesites and delineate the boundaries of Potters Field. The survey report will be available to the public after it is received and reviewed by the Office of Historic Preservation.

Staff are currently awaiting the final oral history reports from the Dovetail Cultural Resource Group. Once we receive the last section of Dovetail's work, we'll explore different avenues of sharing this information with the public. The finalized archaeological report is posted below.

Archaeological Assessment for Thoroughfare Historic District Recordation Project

On Thursday, June 16th, the Virginia Department of Historic Resources Review Board reviewed the Preliminary Information Form (PIF) for the proposed Thoroughfare ad recommended the PIF to move forward for a full nomination to the Virginia Landmarks Register (and eligible for the National Register of Historic Places). During discussion, the State Review Board recognized and applauded the incorporation into the PIF of the African American history and the information from oral history, in particular.
 
As designation to the Virginia Landmarks Register is an honorary designation bestowed on historic places and areas throughout the Commonwealth with significant history that is important in telling the story of the people, places and events in our history.

Presentation documents from the Thoroughfare Historic Recordation Project Presentation

April 25, 2022 Presentation

Thoroughfare Historic District Preliminary Information Form

The document linked below is a draft and is currently being reviewed by County staff. 

ARCHAEOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT FOR THOROUGHFARE HISTORIC DISTRICT RECORDATION PROJECT, PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, VIRGINIA by Dovetail Cultural Resource Group
 

A public meeting on the Scott Cemetery is scheduled on Monday, March 14, 2022, at 6:30 p.m. at the Haymarket Gainesville Public Library. The first (see posting on November 10, 2021) and second (see posting on February 7, 2022) phases of the archaeological investigation at the Scott Cemetery. The archaeological consultants who completed these reports will be invited to discuss their findings. County staff will be present to discuss the next steps. The library is located at 14870 Lightner Rd., Haymarket, VA 20169. 

Prince William County Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism with Dovetail Cultural Resource Group will do a community presentation recapping the Thoroughfare Historic Recordation Project. This project, authorized by the Prince William Board of County Supervisors, was initiated to document the history of the Thoroughfare community though oral histories, archival and architectural research and documentation. The consultants will share the results of their research and timeline for the final draft of the report. The meeting will take place on Monday, April 25, 2022 at 6:30pm at the Haymarket - Gainesville Library located at 14870 Lightner Road, Haymarket, VA 20169.

County Archaeologist’s Assessment and Recommendations on the Scott Cemetery Anomaly Truthing Study

Assessment and Recommendations Report: Scott Cemetery Anomaly Truthing, Broad Run, Prince William County, Virginia (Goode and Goode 2022)

Scott Cemetery Anomaly Truthing Study

Scott Cemetery Archaeological Investigations - The next phase of archaeological investigation was completed, which was a testing of the 11 (11) anomalies identified in the Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) & Electromagnetic (EM) Investigations (2021). This report was prepared by Commonwealth Heritage Group, Inc. and the report is posted below.

Scott Cemetery GPR Anomaly Truthing Report

Staff is currently waiting on the Scott Cemetery archeological report, once the report is received it will be posted on this page and shared with the public. 

The Prince William Board of County Supervisors approved the purchase of four properties along John Marshall Highway, west of Haymarket, as part of the new Historic Communities program that aims to study, interpret, and preserve culturally significant enclaves throughout the County. For additional details visit: Prince William Board of County Supervisors Approves Additional Land Purchases in Historic Thoroughfare Community

• The fieldwork portion of the architectural survey is complete at this point and VCRIS (Virginia Cultural Resource Information System) deliverables are in progress.
   
• Oral history transcription and associated chain-of-title and genealogical research is in progress.
   
• PIF (Preliminary Information Form) form for the historic district is in progress.

• The Farm Brewery owner’s new archaeological consultant, Commonwealth Heritage Group, completed investigations of the 11 anomalies found at the Scott Cemetery during the remote sensing survey. The report is expected in the next 30 days.
   
• A public meeting will be scheduled in the near future to present the findings from both the remote sensing survey and recently completed investigations by Commonwealth Heritage Group.
   
• The Board of County Supervisors will be considering purchase agreements for additional properties in the Thoroughfare area during the 2pm session on 12/7.  The staff report and resolution can be found here.

Dovetail Cultural Resource Group update on the Thoroughfare History Recordation Project: Dovetail completed some chain-of-title research to go along with the oral history interviews as well as help inform the historic context for the area. We'll continue working on transcribing the interviews, and completing the associated genealogical and chain-of-title research for the next couple of weeks.

Land Purchase in Thoroughfare

On November 9, 2021, the Prince William Board of County Supervisors approved the purchase of a two-acre parcel along John Marshall Highway, west of Haymarket, as part of the new Historic Communities program that aims to study, interpret, and preserve culturally significant enclaves throughout the County.  The parcel falls within the boundaries of the Thoroughfare Historical District, as recorded by the Virginia Department of Historic Resources, and contains the Potter’s Field/Peyton Thoroughfare Community Cemetery. This purchase protects the land from private development.  

County leaders plan to convert the property into a public interpretive park and will engage with residents and stakeholders to develop a master plan.  Funding for construction of the park will be considered in future budget years.  “This is an important step for the County to begin to preserve another piece of our past and celebrate the story of one of Virginia’s significant integrated communities as well as our native American ancestry,” said Chair Ann Wheeler.

The parcel is currently land locked and the acquisition will not result in a new access from public right of way.  However, state law allows access by certain parties to cemeteries through adjacent private lands, provided reasonable notice is given to the landowner and/or occupant; these provisions will still apply after the parcel changes ownership.  The County will explore expanded access in the future to the best of its ability.

Scott Cemetery Archaeological Investigations

The first phase of archaeological investigation was completed, which was a remote sensing survey on the Scott Cemetery. Eleven (11) anomalies were identified that “may be human burials based on the arrangement and position of the features.” This remote sensing report was prepared by Thunderbird Archeology a Division of Wetlands Study and Solutions, Inc., in September 2021 and the report is posted below.

Scott Cemetery - Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) & Electromagnetic (EM) Investigations

The County was notified on November 9th in writing that the brewery property owner has hired Commonwealth Heritage Group to archaeologically test the 11 anomalies identified during the remote sensing survey. This testing will consist of machine excavation and is planned to start on November 11, 2021, this Thursday.  This type of excavation is performed by a backhoe with a smooth blade that slowly peels back thin layers of soil looking for evidence of burial features. This method is widely used throughout Virginia and is the most reliable way to locate burial features without disturbing the burials themselves. It is an accepted method by the Virginia Department of Historic Resources and is legally permissible from a Zoning standpoint. No disturbance or removal of buried human remains is proposed or intended.  The County has requested the results of the work and will share them with the public as more information becomes available.

While the excavation timeline for this next phase on the Scott Cemetery was not the process originally agreed to by the owner, he is within his rights as a property owner to move forward in this manner.  The County will continue to reach out to, and coordinate with, all stakeholders as this matter proceeds. 
 

More architectural survey fieldwork is scheduled for later this week. As a reminder, the consultants from Dovetail will be conducting their work from the public right-of-way save for knocking on doors to alert property owners of their presence. Please feel free to send any specific information about your property ahead of time such as important features that may not be visible from the public right-of-way and that should be included in their study.

Dovetail is continuing to make contact with the oral history interview candidates and schedule their interviews which will occur over the course of the next several weeks. Initial archival research has been started at the RELIC Room at the Central Library in the County as well as online at websites such as the Library of Virginia, the Virginia Department of Historic Resources, and Ancestry.com. The remainder of the architectural survey fieldwork is also being scheduled for the next several weeks. As a reminder, they will be conducting their work from the public right-of-way save for knocking on doors to alert property owners of their presence. Please feel free to send any specific information about your property ahead of time such as important features that may not be visible from the public right-of-way and that should be included in their study. 

Dovetail received eight names for oral history candidates and will be reaching out to them shortly to begin scheduling interviews. Meanwhile we are conducting a background review of the history of the area as well as developing a draft list of questions to be reviewed by county staff and the Coalition. Dovetail is also scheduled to meet with the Coalition representative and county staff next week for a tour and begin their architectural survey.

Dovetail and the County continues to seek out other oral history candidates from people that live or have long time connections to the Thoroughfare area. If you or someone you know is interested, please contact [email protected] .

The following reports were commissioned by private individuals and shared with the County for informational purposes.  

True Limits Survey of 16151 John Marshall Highway, as reported in its entirety by Lyle E. Browning, RPA for Flint Rock Builders, LLC, the owner of the parcels surrounding the Fletcher-Allen Cemetery.

Fletcher-Allen Cemetery Delineation Report

Thoroughfare Cemetery Report, as reported in its entirely by Matthew “Maasaw” Howard, for Shawnee Elderwoman Sheila Hansen.   

M. Howard Report

Dovetail is currently conducting some background review on the area and planning their architectural survey fieldwork. Pending staff and Coalition representative availability, they are aiming to conduct fieldwork the last week of September and/or the first week of October. As a reminder, they will be conducting their work from the public right-of-way save for knocking on doors to alert property owners of their presence. Please feel free to send any specific information about your property ahead of time such as important features that may not be visible from the public right-of-way and that should be included in their study. 
 
Concurrently, Dovetail staff is also beginning work on the oral histories by creating a general list of questions. Once a list of candidates is complete, Dovetail staff will reach out to individuals directly to schedule as well as begin genealogical research to help further tailor questions to each interviewee.

Staff and Dovetail Cultural Resource Group (consultant archeology firm) held a public input meeting on Tuesday, August 31st at the Haymarket-Gainesville library. 

• There were approximately 30 attendees. 
• Known organizations represented included the Virginia Outdoors Foundation, Chapman’s Mill, Coalition to Save to Save Historic Thoroughfare, PW Conservation Alliance.
• Staff provided an overview of the BOCS-initiated archeological/architectural survey (background, scope of work, timeline, etc.) and Dovetail presented their qualifications. 
• Staff stressed the meeting was focused on the project of recording Thoroughfare’s history via oral histories, architecture, archival and archaeological assessments.
• Many participants shared their passion for the history of Thoroughfare and their interest in seeing the project be successful. 

At the end the presentation, participants made comments and asked questions, which are categorized into the following themes:

Property rights and access – Some participants stressed their opinion that getting access to certain private properties for analysis would be difficult.  Staff emphasized that private property access was not necessary to complete the scope of work.
 
Oral Histories – Some participants do not want to cap the number of oral histories collected.  There is currently an allowance for up to 15 oral history interviews in the contracted scope of work.  Staff expressed an openness to expanding the amount of oral histories, depending on how many names we get from the community.  Staff encouraged participants to contact staff if they know of someone who would be willing to be part of the oral history portion of the project.

Study Area – Some participants asked staff to expand the study area, citing their belief that the Thoroughfare community extended into Bull Run Mountain and Leopold’s Preserve.  Some participants questioned how the boundary of the study area was created and if staff would be open to expanding it should the historical data support doing so.  Staff explained that the BOCS expanded the original VDOT boundary to include Chapman’s Mill.  Staff explained the current boundary is a starting point and the data collected will drive further discussion on expansion.   

Native-American History – Some participants stressed their opinion that the Native-American history of Thoroughfare should be given equal attention as African-Americans and that both histories are intertwined.  Some participants asked Dovetail if they were qualified in Native American/pre-historic archeology to which Dovetail responded affirmatively.

Nominations – Some participants questioned the process for nominations for the Virginia and Federal register for historic places.  Staff explained if any aspect of the study area qualifies the BOCS will ultimately decide whether to make an application.  Staff explained a listing on the National and State Register of Historic Places is mostly honorary; it does not restrict land use or provide any protections. 
 
The Brewery at Broad Run owner, Mr. Dewitt, has authorized his contract archeologist to proceed with excavations at the Scott Cemetery site to determine if and where graves exist.  The excavation work was included in the Phase II scope of work presented to staff and will begin this week.

Thoroughfare Community History Project Presentation

• Staff held a kickoff meeting with Dovetail consultants on Wednesday, August 11th.  Dovetail is the consultant who will be conducting the architectural and archeological assessments for the Thoroughfare community.     
   
• The Historic Preservation Coordinator position (full-time archeologist) has closed.  Interviews will begin over the next 30 days.  This position will manage the Dovetail contract and establish the new Historic Communities program.
   
• The cemetery geodatabase intern continues reconciling cemetery locations and names.  The project will take another 6+ weeks and will result in more accurate cemetery locations and names.

County staff held a kick off meeting with Dovetail Cultural Resource Group about the Thoroughfare Community History Project on August 10, 2021. The mailing of the communication cards to property owners in Thoroughfare was completed and plans are moving forward for the public meeting at the Haymarket-Gainesville Library on August 31st.  This meeting will focus on the Thoroughfare Community History Project, the goals and timeline for the project. 

• Staff executed the task order with Dovetail Cultural Resource Group for the Thoroughfare Community Archeological and Architectural Assessment.  A kick-off meeting with county staff will be held next week.  The consultant will start with oral history interviews of individuals prior to the public meeting on August 31, 2021 from 6 p.m. - 7 p.m. at the Haymarket Gainesville Library.   This meeting notice has been sent to all who signed up for e-notifications for the Throughfare community.  Property owner notification cards are being prepared for mailing.
   
• The Historic Preservation Coordinator position has been posted and closes next week. 
   
• Staff received the subconsultant report for the Scott Cemetery and is still waiting for interpretations and recommendations from the prime contractor, Wetland Studies and Solutions, Inc.  A meeting with the owner of Farm Brewery at Broad Run and county staff to review zoning issues and requirements on the property is scheduled for next Tuesday.
   
• Staff received a copy of the archaeological survey performed on the Doucette property adjacent to the Allen-Fletcher cemetery from Jason Doucette on August 5th.  The report is under review and will be provided to the Board and made available on the Throughfare Community Updates web page next week.
   
• The cemetery geodatabase intern continues to work reconciling cemetery locations and names.
   
• Staff continues to advance the other matters discussed in closed session and will update the Board when we have additional information.

• Staff executed the task order with Dovetail Cultural Resource Group for the Thoroughfare Community Archeological and Architectural Assessment.  The consultant will start with oral history interviews of the individuals referred by Mr. Washington prior to the public meeting on 8/31.  The Historic Preservation Coordinator position has been posted.
   
• Staff received the subconsultant report for the Scott Cemetery.  However, it did not contain interpretations and recommendations from the prime contractor, Wetland Studies and Solutions, Inc.  Staff left voicemails with WSSI’s archaeologist to determine the status but have not received a reply.  Staff forwarded the remote sensing report to the state archaeologist for evaluation.
   
• Staff called Jason Doucette on 7/29.  He transferred mapping data to his archaeologist.  Essentially, their report is still in preparation.
   
• During the past 2 weeks, the cemetery geodatabase intern completed her onboarding and orientation, including Cyber Security Training, and is about halfway through reconciling cemetery locations and names between the varying sources in the County.
   
• Staff continues to advance the other matters discussed in closed session and will update the Board when we have additional information.

• ​​​​​​County staff continues to finalize the Scope of Work (SOW) for the Thoroughfare Community Archeological and Architectural Assessment.  On Friday, July 23rd staff sent the revised SOW to Dovetail Cultural Resource Group for a final cost proposal.  Once that is received, staff will create a Task Order and begin the process of finalizing the contract.
   
• Staff has set a public meeting for August 31st at 6:00pm at the Haymarket–Gainesville Library to share the SOW with the general public and answer any questions.  Staff will promote the meeting via all County website and social media channels as well as send out notifications to all property owners within the study area and all individuals who registered for updates on www.princewilliamthoroughfare.com.
   
• Staff is expecting the Scott Cemetery report any day.  Staff has not heard from Mr. Doucette regarding the Fletcher/Allen Cemetery study and are following up.
   
• The intern to update the cemetery database started on July 19, 2021.
   
• Staff is following through with other matters discussed in closed session and will update the Board when we have additional information.

Staff has received a draft Scope of Work (SOW) from Dovetail Cultural Resources Group, the consultant who will be conducting the architectural and archeological assessment for the Thoroughfare community.  Dovetail has experience with Native American cultural resource projects and it will be noted as such in their proposal.  Staff is currently working on revisions to the SOW and plan to execute a Task Order within the next two weeks.  Staff will hold a public meeting at the Haymarket/Gainesville Library in August to share the SOW with the general public and answer any questions.  The consultant will attend.  Staff will extend invitations to all impacted property owners, whose participation in the survey process will be voluntary.  Staff will also advertise the meeting on all County media channels and provide direct invitations to those who registered for updates on the www.princewilliamthoroughfare.com site.  The date for the public meeting will be set soon and staff will notify the BOCS to save the date.  

In addition, staff completed the performance profile for the new full-time Historic Preservation Coordinator position approved by the BOCS and will begin the recruitment as soon as possible.  This position will manage the Dovetail contract.  

Other updates on Cultural Resource Initiatives

The intern to update the cemetery database/shapefile starts on July 19, 2021, and she will be located in the Planning Office.  Her name is Julianna Berry.  The Scott Cemetery remote sensing “report” is still under preparation.

For the Scott Cemetery, the geophysicist completed remote sensing last Thursday, July 1. Soil anomalies, possible burials, were temporarily marked with spray paint and pin flags until the surveyors completed their mapping. The surveyors completed recording (mapping) the location of the anomalies on Friday, July 2. The pin flags may be removed in the near future. 

The geophysicist is conducting analysis of all of the data collected in the field. This analysis typically takes 1 - 2 weeks, sometimes more. A draft report is expected in 3-4 weeks. The results will be presented in the near future.

The first phase of archaeological investigation will begin on Wednesday, June 30, 2021. This effort will consist of installation of stakes in the ground to mark lines of transects on Tuesday. On Wednesday, a geophysicist will be push or pull remote sensing equipment along each transect. The remote sensing will be completed on Thursday, July 1, 2021. This is a remote sensing investigation and there will be no excavations. The only action visible will be the geophysicist pushing or pulling equipment across the area. The results of this phase of work will be published in the near future.

Scope of Work | Scott Cemetery

The Scope of Work for the Thoroughfare Architectural Survey was sent to Dovetail Cultural Resource Group by Rob Orrison and Bill Backus.  

On June 18, Rob Orrison spoke with Frank Washington (representing the Coalition to Save Historic Thoroughfare) about the Scope of Work for the Architectural Survey.  The Coalition has identified 12 oral history candidates that will be part of the survey. Rob will be taking that information and including it into the Scope of Work for the Architectural Survey. Once the Scope of Work is finalized, Rob will share with Mr. Washington for any last comments or input.  The goal is to have the Scope of Work to the contractor for cost estimates and then a Task Order created in early July. After that, a meeting will be set with Rob, Mr. Washington and the contractor to go over the project, the timeline and provide a tour of Thoroughfare to the contractor.

Approval of a resolution from budget and appropriate $765,000 for historical preservation and interpretation at the Thoroughfare and Settlement Communities and updates to the Prince William County cemetery database:
 
https://eservice.pwcgov.org/documents/bocs/agendas/2021/0615/7-E.pdf
 
 
Initiate amendments to the zoning ordinance, including, but not limited to, a potential historic overlay district, and the Design and Construction Standards manual, in order to address the preservation and protection of historic and cultural resources and properties in the Thoroughfare area, including, but not limited to, African American and Native American cemeteries and burial grounds, and other African American and Native American cultural and historical sites; and initiate amendments to the comprehensive plan for the same purposes
 
https://eservice.pwcgov.org/documents/bocs/agendas/2021/0615/11-D.pdf

• A community meeting was held this past Sunday at Oakrum Baptist Church.  Justin Patton, County Archaeologist from Planning, Rob Orrison from the Historic Preservation Office of Parks, Recreation and Tourism, and I attended.  The meeting was well attended by the local community and representatives from the Native American community.  The event was livestreamed , which can be assessed through this link. We received input on the proposed scope of work for delineating the Scott Cemetery, concerns with access to the cemetery, and overall concerns about development and preservation of the Throughfare community. Particular requests made by those in attendance were:
   
  • Stop all activity in the community and place a stop on development and land disturbances.  We explained that the County does not have authority to stop activity and can only do what is allowed by law.  Any and all required permits will need to be obtained prior to development of any property.
     
  • Manage any and all archaeological surveys performed on these private properties.  They believe having the property owner pay for and manage these surveys is a conflict of interest.  The current practice and requirements stated in the Zoning Ordinance are to have the property owners obtain professional archaeologists to perform the surveys, and submit to the County for approval, when a qualifying activity triggers the need for an archaeological survey.
     
  • Include the Native American community and concerns in future investigations and studies, including compliance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA).  Staff has added Native American activity into the scope to be addressed in future investigations.  Any and all requirements, as applicable, of the NAGPRA will be included in County investigations.
     
  • The County should purchase the Scott Cemetery property, and other properties, to protect the cemeteries and provide interpretative areas for the history of the Throughfare community. Staff will follow up with the Board regarding this issue.
     

• The owner of the property next to the Allen-Fletcher cemetery, Mr. Doucette, proceeded to hire a professional archaeologist and began to perform an archaeological survey on his property outside of and adjacent to the Allen-Fletcher cemetery this past Tuesday.  The owner was within his rights to perform the survey to determine if burial sites outside of the cemetery boundary were located on his property.  The County has no legal authority to stop this activity and a permit to perform this activity is not required, because it does not disturb more than 2500 square feet.  This is the type of work that would be required by the County Code if the property owner filed a site plan or subdivision plan; although Mr. Doucette has not filed either, he is voluntarily conducting the work at this time.  The County Archeologist did visit the property at the owners invitation late in the day and found the investigations consistent with standard practices and did not observe any disturbance of grave sites.  A report of the results has not yet been received.
   
  • Scott Cemetery (Farm Creek Brewery at Broad Run Property)  – The scope of work for the archeological investigations is in final review by the County Archeologist and the Virginia Department of Historic Resources.  The owner has requested a meeting next week to finalize the scope of work.
     
  • Cemetery Database/Map – The update to the cemetery mapping layer (overlay) to show the location and boundaries (if known) of cemeteries in the County database has been completed.  The cemetery overlay is now available for use by County staff in County Mapper.  Staff is reviewing the option and feasibility of allowing access to this cemetery overlay to the general public.  This overlay also now includes a 50 foot buffer to provide additional notification to County staff since the exact boundaries of many of these cemeteries is not known.  Additional warnings and flags in the EnerGov system used by intake staff, plan reviewers, and inspectors will be completed next week.  We have also provided this information to the County’s Real Estate Assessments Office in order to note these cemeteries with the parcels in the Real Estate Property Assessment System.
     
  • Cemetery Database Update Intern – Staff is in the process of recruiting an intern with a goal to have the position filled in July.
     
  • Additional information will be presented and discussed at the Board meeting on June 15.  This includes a Board item to budget and appropriate funds for historic preservation and interpretation at the Thoroughfare and Settlement communities, along with a proposal for a zoning text amendment initiation for a historic overlay district in the Thoroughfare community.

• We received complaints early this week that an area outside of the Fletcher Allen cemetery with potential graves on the Doucette property has been disturbed.  We referred the matter to the police who consider this as a civil matter.  The police continue to monitor the situation.  The owner of the parcel is planning on doing an archeological survey of this area next week.  The County Archeologist has reviewed the scope of work and submitted comments.  We continue to monitor any land disturbance activities and permit applications for this and the adjacent Peyton cemetery (Tinder property) in order to provide staff the ability to coordinate with the property owner and ensure comprehensive County review occurs.  No plans have yet been submitted.
• Scott Cemetery (Farm Creek Brewery at Broad Run Property)  – A revised scope of work for the archaeological delineation of the Scott Cemetery and location of individual burials within the Scott Cemetery is under final review.  In coordination with the Virginia Department of Historic Resources, we expect to approve the scope of work for the archaeological delineation of the Scott Cemetery during the week of June 7, 2021.  The field methodologies will be discussed with the community on June 6.
• Cemetery Database/Shapefile – The update to the cemetery shapefile is underway. This first part is being completed by staff.  When complete this will  1) increase the efficiency of existing and future Geocoding in Energov and allow for the Cemetery Shapefile to sync with applications for land disturbance permits and issuance of zoning violations, and  2) allow for posting the cemetery shapefile on the County’s Internal County Mapper (internal County Mapper is available to all PWC Departments).  We are also providing this information to the County’s Real Estate Assessments Office in order to note these cemeteries with the parcels in the Real Estate Property Assessment System.
• Cemetery Database Update Intern – Staff met on May 28 and established the internship tasks, roles and responsibilities. The ad for the internship was transmitted to local universities this past week.
• Community Meetings
   
  • June 2, 2021 –  Staff from Parks, Recreation and Tourism, Office of Historic Preservation and myself met representatives of the Throughfare Community to discuss the process and scope of the future architectural survey of the buildings, structures and history of the community.
  • June 6, 2021 – a second meeting with the Thoroughfare Community will be held to discuss archaeological field methods for the delineation of the Scott Cemetery; overall process; and the restoration of the cemetery.  A review of future proposed activities including the initiation of a Historic Overlay District, future archaeological and architectural surveys, and future Interpretive Areas for the Thoroughfare and Settlement communities will also be discussed.  The meeting with be held at Oakrum Baptist Church at 2:00 PM this Sunday.
• Staff will bring to the Board on June 15 a resolution to budget and appropriate funds for historic preservation and interpretation at the Thoroughfare and Settlement communities.  A zoning text amendment initiation for a historic overlay district in the Thoroughfare community will also be presented to the Board on June 15.

• Staff has contacted the property owners of and adjacent to the Fletcher Allen cemetery (Doucette) and Peyton cemetery (Tinder) and they are aware of the potential additional burial sites outside of the marked cemetery.  The parcels have been flagged in the County land development system to hold any review or approvals should plans be received in order to provide staff the ability to coordinate with the property owner and ensure comprehensive County review occurs.  No plans have yet been submitted.
   
• Staff has commented on the archaeological investigation for the Scott Cemetery and sent them to the owner of Farm Brewery at Broad Run (Mr. Dewitt) on May 26.  The comments are under review by the owner’s archeologist.  A revised scope has not yet been received.
   
• A meeting with the Thoroughfare community to discuss this and other archeological investigations, along with additional efforts to preserve the community, is being scheduled.  Tentative date is for Sunday, June 6 “after church” in the afternoon.  Exact time and location will be determined.
   
• Staff from Historic Preservation will be meeting with community representatives to discuss the process for the architectural review on Wednesday morning, June 2nd.
   
• Staff continues on work to implement recommendations to better identify and flag cemeteries into County systems, and the process to hire staff and consultants to implement additional studies and interpretive plans for the Thoroughfare community.  Updates will be provided as progress is made.
   
• Staff will bring to the Board on June 15 a resolution to budget and appropriate funds for historic preservation and interpretation at the Thoroughfare and Settlement communities.  A zoning text amendment initiation for a historic overlay district in the Thoroughfare community is being prepared for consideration at a Board meeting in June.

• We received a Thoroughfare Cemetery report from the community conducted by Matt Howard, American Indian Researcher on May 20, 2021.  The report indicated the potential of additional Native American burial sites near the Fletcher Allen and Peyton Cemeteries (see map below).  No archaeological investigations were done as part of this report. This area will be priority in performing additional archaeological work which was authorized informally by the Board on Tuesday evening.  Access must be granted by the land owner before we can conduct any archaeology work.
   
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• No work or disturbances on or around the Fletcher Allen and Peyton cemeteries has occurred.  Staff has contacted the owners of these properties to let them know of potential additional burial sites.  No request for permits have been received for these parcels, and the parcels have been flagged to hold any review or approvals should plans be received in order to provide staff the ability to inform the property owner and ensure comprehensive County review occurs.
   
• The owner of Farm Brewery at Broad Run submitted a Scope of Work on May 20, 2021 for an archaeological investigation for the Scott Cemetery.  This Scope of Work is under review by the County Archeologist.  We are still working out the details of how present the scope of work to the community and gather their input.  No work on this and adjacent Brewery properties will be done until this investigation is complete.
   
• Staff has begun work to implement recommendations to better identify and flag cemeteries into County systems, and the process to hire staff and consultants to implement additional studies and interpretive plans for the Thoroughfare Community.
   
• Staff will bring to the Board on June 15 a zoning text amendment initiation, as well as the proposed resolutions given to the Board this past Tuesday, May 18.