WILLIAMSBURG – Preservation Virginia and Colonial Williamsburg won’t renew a contract for programming at Historic Jamestowne, but the former Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities gets to keep a remnant of the deal – CW vice president Jim Horn, who will head up a new foundation that will fund operations, including archaeological digs.
According to a press release, Horn will take charge of fundraising and oversee archaeological fieldwork, collections development, educational programs and operations on site. He’s currently Vice President of Research and Historical Interpretation at the John D. Rockefeller Jr. Library at CW. In that role Horn has overseen management of programs and operations at Historic Jamestowne for the past five years. That agreement ends Dec. 31.
“We’re excited to have such a well-respected historian and scholar as part of our team,” said Elizabeth Kostelny, executive director of Preservation Virginia, in the release. “Jim’s expertise and knowledge of 17th century history will elevate our programs in anticipation of the anniversaries in 2019.”
2019 marks the the 400th anniversary of what is known as the “Red Letter” year at Jamestown for three major events”
* The beginning of an ogranized government that remains intact today.
* The arrival of women to make the settlement permanent.
* The arrival of blacks, who were originally indentured servants.
“His knowledge and leadership will play an important role in building upon the significant archaeological research at the site,” Kostelny continued. “The creation of this new foundation and the addition of Dr. James Horn positions Historic Jamestowne for a stronger and more vibrant future.”
“Historic Jamestowne is a world-class archaeological site and I am delighted to join Preservation Virginia to lead the remarkable work that is taking place there,” Horn said in the release. “I look forward to working with Dr. Kelso, his research team, and the exceptionally talented staff and volunteers to build upon past successes and make our public programs at Historic Jamestowne even better.”
Prior to joining Colonial Williamsburg in 2002, Horn taught history at the University of Brighton for 20 years, was visiting editor of publications at the Williamsburg-based Omohundro Institute of Early American History and Culture, and was the Saunders Director of the Robert H. Smith International Center for Jefferson Studies at The Thomas Jefferson Foundation.
