Alex Nance’s Mantra: Keep Piedmont History Alive

Alex Nance’s Mantra: Keep Piedmont History Alive

By Peyton Tochterman

In the verdant rolling landscape of Virginia’s Piedmont region, echoes of history reverberate through the fields and mountains. It’s a land imbued with the timelessness of the past, a testament to eras bygone, yet safeguarded and cherished by the Virginia Piedmont Heritage Association (VPHA).

At the heart of VPHA is Executive Director Alexander Nance. Originally from Alexandria and formerly a military analyst and an engineer officer in the U.S. Army. Alex and his wife, Jane Latham, moved to Middleburg three years ago. He now oversees the organization’s day-to-day operations, development, fundraising, and membership.

Defined by its unwavering commitment to the preservation and promotion of the unique history, arts, and traditions of the region, the VPHA holds steadfast against the tide of immediacy, advocating for the recognition and respect of the past in all its richness and complexity.

From the hallowed halls of historic structures to the inherited lore of the Appalachians, the VPHA steers the course of conservation with a steady hand. A testament to their efforts is their headquarters, an 1801 stone farmhouse in Atoka, painstakingly restored to its former glory and now serving as a tangible, vibrant record of the region’s past for visitors.

“We’re preserving and restoring that building not only for our office space but also to host guests weekly to demonstrate the living history of this region,” Alex said. “You can see the 200-year-old beams that form the core of the building’s structure.”

The VPHA’s mission is multifaceted, merging preservation, education, and shared community experiences. Through education and outreach programs, they breathe life into history, transforming it from static pages in a textbook to a living, dynamic narrative that reverberates through the lives of the community.

Travis Shaw, the education director, in a single year has doubled his outreach to students from kindergarten to college.

“Ian MacDougal, our Public Programs Coordinator, oversees adult education, covering a range of historical topics,” Alex added. “Our team, both staff and volunteers, are dedicated and passionate about what they do.”

Each year, their Heritage Festival invites the public to engage with the region’s rich cultural tapestry through music, crafts, and reenactments. They also host a concert series and member appreciation events.

An essential aspect of the VPHA’s mission is its Oral History Project. This podcast initiative explores and documents first-person narratives, providing valuable insights into the region’s past.

Key to these efforts is a dedicated team of volunteers, local enthusiasts, and historians committed to preserving the region’s heritage. “Our volunteers are essential to our success,” Alex said.

“Our overriding goal is to make as much of our material accessible to as many people as possible,” Alex said, crediting members like Tara Connell, chair of the podcast committee, for their active roles in expanding the association’s reach through strategic online engagement.

The VPHA’s work is funded through grants, memberships, and donations. “We have members from California and even England,” Alex said. “Ticket sales for public programs allow us to offer free programming to students.”

The VPHA’s work serves as a potent reminder that the past is not just worth preserving but is a crucial part of our shared identity. Through their continued efforts, the spirit of the Piedmont Region is kept alive, unfolding one chapter at a time, for current and future generations to cherish and learn from.