Historic Staunton Foundation’s Preservation Workroom is available for people researching the history of their property, or planning rehabilitation or repair of historic features.
The Preservation Workroom is on the first floor of the R.R. Smith Center for History & Art. Our offices are located on the 3rd floor and open to the public, Monday through Friday from 9am – 5pm.
We suggest that you make an appointment, although drop-ins are welcome. We suggest that you bring a digital camera for recording images.
Please contact [email protected] for an appointment or additional information.
Available Resources
Architectural inventories of all buildings in Staunton’s historic districts
Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps:
- 1886, 1891, 1894, 1899 (copies) and
- 1904, 1909, 1914, 1921 and 1929 (originals)
- Also see Salem Library: Digital Sanborn Map Collection
Other historic maps of the city:
- 1870 Hotchkiss insert & 1877 Gray’s Map (copies)
- 1905 Building zone map and
- Staunton Development Company maps
Historic photos of Staunton
Facade Improvements files
Technical resources including Trust’s Preservation Briefs
Preservation periodicals including Old House Journal and Traditional Building
HSF Exterior Design Services
From mortar formulas to guides on restoring your historic windows, HSF is here to answer your questions. Contact Frank Strassler at [email protected] for an appointment.
While HSF does not typically offer exterior paint color assistance, we recommend the following books for assistance in selecting your Victorian color scheme.
These books are available at HSF and the Staunton Public Library.
Moss, R., & Winkler, G. (1987).
Victorian Exterior Decoration: How to Paint Your Nineteenth-Century American House Historically.
New York: H. Holt.
Sinclair, P., & Lewis, T. (1985).
Victorious Victorians: A Guide to the Major Architectural Styles.
New York: H. Holt.
Moss, R. (1981).
Century of Color: Exterior Decoration for American Buildings, 1820-1920.
Watkins Glen, N.Y.: American Life Foundation.
