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Join the modern preservation movement by helping restore one of Virginia's original Texaco stations. The 1930 Edge Hill Service Station will ultimately have a new – and greener - life as non-profit office space.
Just 40 minutes down the road is Colonial Williamsburg. Extend your stay through Memorial Day weekend and take time to explore Williamsburg. We've arranged an exclusive behind the scenes tour for AiP volunteers!
The goal of the 2011 project is to restore the building's ten industrial-style windows to their 1930-1950 appearance. We will also aim to repair the wood windows in the garage doors, rest room, and reception area door. Needless to say, there will be a whole lot of glazing going on. During the second half of the week, we'll look at electricity and wiring and the appropriate lighting of early twentieth-century industrial buildings.
By joining this historic preservation project, you will:
- Support development of heritage tourism by attracting drivers from the busy crossroads
- Promote discussion about alternative energy sources and incorporating their use in historic buildings
- Help save a historic icon of America's early love affair with the automobile
- Demonstrate benefits of adaptive re-use of historic buildings.
During your week with AiP, you will:
- Learn how to repair all kinds of historic windows
- Be able to share your passion for vintage roadside architecture
- Explore America’s history from the era of the horse-drawn carriage to the era of the horseless carriage
- Learn from experts on the cutting edge of alternative energy use in historic buildings
With Gloucester just up the road from Williamsburg, you can spend the weekend traveling back in time from the 20th century to the 18th century.
Volunteers from out-of-town will stay at the Hampton Inn about two minutes from the Edge Hill Service Station. If you would prefer to upgrade to one of several historic B&B's in Gloucester, contact us.
Lunches will be provided at restaurants near the site and feature a variety of cuisines through the week. Dinners are at your own expense, but we often go as a group.
Group field trips include a walking tour of the Gloucester Courthouse Circle and the Downtown Historic District and an afternoon-evening trip to the Fairfield Plantation Archaeological Site, Werowocomoco (home of Pocahontas), and the Rosewell Ruins, where Thomas Jefferson was a frequent visitor.
Evenings you're free to explore the Middle Peninsula's many beautiful sites.
AiP has arranged an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of Colonial Williamsburg for Saturday, May 28. We’ll join Staff Archaeologist Meredith Poole for a glimpse at the archaeological and curatorial work being done at this world famous historical site. The tour will be tailored to voluteers' specific interests and backgrounds; details and cost will be sent upon registration. The tour will mark the end of your AiP project, but you are free to explore Williamsburg further on your own.
The fee for one week is US $1,500 and covers:
- Double occupancy lodging
- Breakfasts and lunches
- Field trips
- Insurance
- Workshop training and materials.
A Bare Bones Option is available for US$1,050 for travelers who wish to find their own lodging. Camping is available near the work site; several host families are available on a first come first serve basis for those needing to minimize costs. A special Resident Rate of US$300 is available for Fairfield Foundation members and residents of Gloucester County.
If you are arriving by air, the closest airport is Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport (30 minute drive). Less expensive, yet relatively close alternatives include Norfolk International and Richmond International (both are 90 minute drives). Rental cars are available at each destination. If you prefer not to rent a car, pick up from the Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport can be arranged.
If you would like assistance with travel
arrangements, contact Peace Frogs Travel/Outfitters, AiP’s partnering travel agency.
Sunday
Arrive at Hampton Inn in Gloucester. Arrange for airport pickup if needed. Casual gathering at Edge Hill Station early evening.
Monday
Meet at the Edge Hill Station for a morning walking tour of Downtown Historic District, followed by lunch.
Afternoon includes project introduction and hands-on work. Dinner on own or as a group.
Tuesday through Friday
Preservation work at Texaco Station from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with lunch provided near the site.
One afternoon-evening field trip.
Dinner on own or as a group.
Saturday
Departure, if not staying to visit Williamsburg.
If you have additional questions or would like to discuss this project with AiP staff, please contact us at trips@adventuresinpreservation.org or call +1 303-444-0128.
