Parkway Symposium Lays Historical Groundwork for Preservation Discussions

Date: October 6, 2008

Development pressures, politics, conflicts and compromises – the same challenges that impact the Blue Ridge Parkway today were critical factors in its construction nearly 75 years ago.

In anticipation of the impending anniversary of this national treasure in 2010, the Blue Ridge Parkway 75^th Inc. organization and its partners are hosting a public symposium October 9 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Vinton War Memorial, 814 E. Washington Ave. in Vinton, Virginia. Titled “A Living Past on A Borrowed Landscape: The Blue Ridge Parkway at 75,” the symposium will highlight the historical aspects of constructing the 469 mile roadway through two states while discussing the issues and efforts that dictate preservation efforts and stewardship of this unique national park entity today.

Presentations will be made by:

·   Anne Mitchell Whisnant, Ph.D., an adjunct assistant professor of history at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and author of Super-Scenic Motorway: A Blue Ridge Parkway History (University of North Carolina Press, 2006), the first full-scale history of the Parkway.

·  Ian Firth, professor emeritus, College of Environment and Design at the University of Georgia where he taught courses in landscape design and historic landscape preservation while acting as a consultant on a wide range of preservation projects.

·   Gary W. Johnson, division chief of Resources Planning and Professional Services for the Blue Ridge Parkway.

·   Neva Jean Specht, an Associate Professor of American History/Public History at Appalachian State University who also serves as Assistant Department Chair and Liaison between the Blue Ridge Parkway and the University.

The October 9 Symposium is one of a pair of events presented by Blue Ridge Parkway 75, Inc. on October 9 and 10, 2008 in the Roanoke Area to launch the upcoming anniversary into public view. The symposium and a Friday media event on the Roanoke River Parkway are designed to encourage involvement in the planning process, and create awareness and excitement about the opportunities presented by the Parkway’s upcoming 75^th anniversary in 2010.

The Blue Ridge Parkway Association, Blue Ridge Heritage National Heritage Area, the FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation are sponsoring the event, as well as a wine reception that will immediately follow. Entertainment will be provided by hammered dulcimer musician Timothy Seaman.

The event is free and open to the public, however reservations are required. To make a reservation, contact FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway at 800.228.7275 by October 3.