WILLIAMSBURG — The Kingsmill Archeological Site was named to Preservation Virginia’s Most Endangered Historic Places list last week, and on Thursday, May 15, a public event was held to discuss what the community can do to help preserve the site.

The CEO of Preservation Virginia, Will Glasco, joined William “Bill” Kelso, Director of Archaeology at Jamestown Rediscovery and the Kingsmill Heritage Society to address the announcement.

Escalante Golf , the owners and developers of Kingsmill Resort , have submitted a conceptual plan for 32 new homes to be built adjacent to Francis Thacker Road in a space currently used as the Kingsmill Recreational Soccer Park, Paul Holt, JCC Community Development Director, said in December.

In addition to losing green space, residents are concerned about the negative impact the project will have on the 300-year-old remnants of the former Kingsmill Plantation, a site listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the Virginia Landmarks Register in 1972.

According to the National Park Service , Kingsmill Plantation played a significant role in the growth and development of the Jamestown colony. The plantation house was a grand 4,800-square-foot, two-story manor that overlooked the James River and included two brick dependencies, a coach house, dairy, a stable, a barn and two wells. The manor was destroyed by fire in 1846. Today, one of the brick dependencies and original garden steps remains.

“Raising awareness is a first step, but it is critical that we work together to preserve these locations before they’re gone,” said Will Glasco, Preservation Virginia CEO. “These places still have value and purpose as affordable housing, community centers, or by sharing the story of Virginia during the 250th anniversary of the United States. Let’s not waste this opportunity.”

Once a site is added to the list, it does not come off until the job is done, and Glasco emphasized that Preservation Virginia will help Kingsmill’s effort to save the historic landmark.

Kelso spoke about his time working on the site in the 1970s, as well as its history and what it meant when it was still in use.

“In my view, this is one of the rare surviving, physical symbols of the formation of the centuries of America inventing itself, warts and all,” said Kelso. He added that because Busch property leadership originally decided to preserve the area as a historic park in perpetuity, much of the site was left showing more remained buried, or predicted more could be found.

Interested parties have been reaching out to the property’s owners to try to find a solution to both keep the site preserved and protected while also satisfying the developer.

The newly-founded, nonprofit Kingsmill Heritage Society is working to preserve, protect and celebrate the history of Kingsmill Plantation. Founder Blair Hart also serves as the president of the organization.

“There are efforts on going to try and talk to Escalante about what they might be willing to do in terms of preservation of this site,” said James City County Board of Supervisors Member John McGlennon, who was also in attendance.

Those concerned about the future of the site are encouraged to reach out and emphasize its importance. For more information about Preservation Virginia or the Kingsmill Heritage Society , please visit the official website.