The Alexandria Archaeological Commission received the city’s 2025 Commission of the Year Impact Award at Tuesday night’s (June 24) City Council meeting, recognizing the group’s 50 years of work preserving and protecting archaeological artifacts throughout Alexandria.
Councilman John Chapman presented the award to the commission, which was established in 1975 as the first archaeological commission in the country. The recognition celebrates both the commission’s milestone anniversary and its ongoing impact on the city’s historical preservation efforts.
“I frankly can’t think of any more impact you had than 50 years of wonderful service to not only this council, but the city as well,” Chapman said during the presentation.
The commission emerged from grassroots activism in the late 1960s and early 1970s, when urban renewal threatened to demolish buildings along the 300- to 500-block stretch of King Street. A group called the Committee of 100 was formed to address these concerns, ultimately leading to the creation of the archaeological commission.
“That’s when a group of residents became very active. And that is how the commission was started, the first in the country,” said Ivy Whitlatch, chair of the Alexandria Archaeological Commission.
The commission works closely with the city’s archaeology department to establish goals and priorities for Alexandria’s archaeological program. Members acquire, preserve, and display artifacts found throughout the city while collaborating with federal, state, and local governments, private foundations, citizens, area schools, and colleges.
Whitlatch praised the city’s archaeology department during her remarks, calling it “a phenomenal group” of professionals. She emphasized the collaborative relationship between the commission and city staff.
“They work with us, they teach us, they inspire us, and we advocate for them as hard as we can for their needs,” Whitlatch said.
The 15-member commission includes representatives from various organizations and planning districts throughout the city. Members must be Alexandria residents and are appointed by the City Council, with approximately five hours per month required for commission duties.
Eleanor Breen, the city archaeologist, works directly with the commission and attended the award presentation. She described the commissioners as “fantastic and generous, brilliant and very vocal” people who inspire city staff through their monthly meetings about archaeological issues.
“It’s my duty, but also my joy, to work with this fantastic and generous, brilliant and very vocal group of people,” Breen said.
Several commission members attended the presentation, including Robert Vierick, who represents the Alexandria Historical Society; Richard Owens from the Friends of Alexandria Archaeology; Paula Whitacre, representing Planning District 3; and Edward Pulliam, a commission member.
The commission’s work extends beyond formal meetings and official duties. Vice Mayor Sarah Bagley noted that the group activates community volunteers and educates residents about archaeological projects throughout the city.
“You all don’t just serve this purpose, but you activate people in the community, you educate them, and you empower them to sort of give back and explore,” Bagley said.
The commission has established Alexandria as a national model for community-based archaeology. Whitlatch emphasized the lasting impact of the commission’s work on the city’s current appearance and character.
“There are very few of us that could imagine what Alexandria would look like today if we were not a city that preserved, protected and promoted its history. It would look nothing like what we have now,” she said.
Council members praised the commission’s broader impact on historical preservation throughout the city. Councilman Kirk McPike highlighted how the commission’s work helps residents understand and appreciate Alexandria’s heritage.
“The history of Alexandria is so much of what makes people proud to be from our city. And y’all are the ones who are out there securing it and helping us preserve it and put it in context,” McPike said.
Mayor Alyia Gaskins emphasized that the commission’s work goes beyond preserving artifacts to uncovering the stories of people who have shaped Alexandria throughout its history.
“I like to think of your work as you really uncover the stories of this place and the people who have made Alexandria what it is,” Gaskins said.
The Commission of the Year Impact Award was established several years ago to highlight excellent work by the city’s advisory commissions. Chapman explained that the award recognizes commissions that demonstrate significant impact rather than simply fulfilling basic meeting requirements.
“It’s not just about being a commission, it’s about the impact you have,” Chapman said.
The Alexandria Archaeological Commission meets at 7 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month, with meetings open to the public. The commission encourages community attendance to learn about recent archaeological discoveries and express opinions about preservation priorities.
