Bracketed cornices on Nelson Street, Lexington. ©Jennifer Law Young
The mission of Historic Lexington Foundation is to preserve, interpret, and present the historical heritage and fabric of Rockbridge County, Virginia.
Historic Lexington Foundation (HLF) is a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization promoting the preservation of the rich architectural and related historic resources of Rockbridge County, Virginia. Incorporated in 1966, at a time when many of Lexington’s buildings were threatened with demolition by neglect, HLF today supports and interprets the heritage and fabric of Rockbridge County, including Lexington and Buena Vista. Click on the video at right to see some of our accomplishments and current activities.
Architectural Preservation
Preserving the unmatched heritage of Rockbridge County, Lexington and Buena Vista – in particular, its distinguished buildings and rich architectural heritage – has always been our overarching purpose, and we strive to have a major, lasting and tangible impact. Learn more about our commitment to this cause through the Lyle-Simpson Preservation Fund and the Facade Grant Program.
Cemetery Preservation
A key long-range HLF initiative is the preservation and restoration of Oak Grove (formerly Stonewall Jackson) and Evergreen Cemeteries in Lexington and others in Rockbridge County. Learn more.
Historic Barns
In 2019, HLF, working cooperatively with Rockbridge Historical Society and other local organizations, will celebrate the area’s beautiful barns – a threatened architectural, economic, and social asset. Learn more.
Historic Schools
HLF strongly supports sites and programs associated with the history of public education in the county – notably, the c. 1823 Hamilton School in southwest Rockbridge and the c. 1915 Buena Vista Colored School, both now abandoned. Learn more.
Documenting
Slave Dwellings
Historic Lexington Foundation has begun an effort to document slave dwellings in Rockbridge County as part of an effort to encourage their preservation. Learn more.
