Certificate of Recognition
The Year of Virginia Historic Homes
WHEREAS, the Virginia Executive Mansion is a historic home that has been the official residence, office, and center of entertaining for Virginia's governors and their families since the year 1813; and
WHEREAS, the Executive Mansion is also celebrated for its architectural distinction, for its design by prominent Boston architect Alexander Parris, and its designation as a National Historic Landmark; and
WHEREAS, this forthcoming year, 2013, marks the bicentennial of the Executive Mansion; and
WHEREAS, in commemorating this historic milestone, it is appropriate that we also recognize the importance of the many historic homes across Virginia; and
WHEREAS, our great state has many historically significant homes, many of which are, today, open to the public as museums and historic sites for the enjoyment and enrichment of citizens and visitors and thereby promote an understanding of, as well as an interest in, the rich heritage of the Nation, the Commonwealth and our communities; and
WHEREAS, highlighting the educational value of these places, including the wealth of cultural, historical, and architectural information brought to light by such sites; and
WHEREAS, promoting tourism to these places will enhance their value as Virginia cultural assets, and help in turn to ensure their vitality and ability to continue to tell important aspects of Virginia's story;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert F. McDonnell, do hereby recognize the year 2013 as THE YEAR OF VIRGINIA HISTORIC HOMES in our COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all of our citizens.