City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: JUNE 27, 2023
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
THROUGH: JAMES F. PARAJON, CITY MANAGER /s/
FROM: GRETCHEN BULOVA, DIRECTOR, OFFICE OF HISTORIC ALEXANDRIA
DOCKET TITLE:
TITLE
Consideration of a Grant Application to the Virginia Tourism Corporation for the 250th Commemoration.
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ISSUE: The Office of Historic Alexandria is seeking a $10,000 grant from the Virginia Tourism Corporation to support the 250th Commemoration.
RECOMMENDATION: That City Council:
(1) Approve the grant application, due July 18th, 2023; and
(2) Authorize the City Manager to execute all the necessary documents that may be
required.
BACKGROUND: The Virginia 250 Commission (VA250) was created by the General Assembly to plan, develop, and carry out programs and activities to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States of America. The City of Alexandria formed a local VA250, Alexandria250, under the auspices of the Office of Historic Alexandria (OHA), to aid in planning for the commemoration period.
The purpose of the Virginia 250 Tourism Marketing Program - administered by the Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) - is to assist Virginia communities and related sites to market commemorative events, locations, and destinations related to 250 years of American democracy, including themes related to history, freedom, innovation, and entrepreneurship
DISCUSSION: If awarded this grant, the funds are planned to fabricate and install two interpretive markers. One marker would commemorate the signing of the Fairfax Resolves on July 18, 1774 on the Cameron Street side of City Hall. The other would be an interpretive marker to commemorate the 1824 visit of General Marquis de Lafayette in Alexandria on N. St. Asaph Street.
FISCAL IMPACT: This grant, if awarded, requires 1:1 cash match. OHA intends to match with future City or Donations funds allocated for 250th Commemoration activities.
STAFF:
Emily A. Baker, Deputy City Manager
Patricia Washington, President and CEO, Visit Alexandria