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2021 SESSION

21100684D
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 339
Offered February 1, 2021
Celebrating the life of Edward A. Chappell, Jr.
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Patrons-- Mason and Norment; Delegate: Mullin
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WHEREAS, Edward A. Chappell, Jr., a renowned architectural historian who oversaw the restoration and preservation of Colonial Williamsburg over the better part of the last half-century, died on July 25, 2020; and

WHEREAS, born in Farmville, Edward “Ed” Chappell attended Ferrum College and The College of William and Mary before ultimately earning a graduate degree from the University of Virginia’s School of Architecture; and

WHEREAS, Ed Chappell began his career with the Virginia Historic Landmarks Commission and the Virginia Department of Historic Resources, surveying hundreds of historic and archaeological sites across the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, in 1980, Ed Chappell was hired to lead the Architectural Research Department at the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, where for the next 36 years he would be an influential force in shaping what is often considered the largest open-air museum in the world; and

WHEREAS, as the Shirley and Richard Roberts Director of Architectural and Archaeological Research, Ed Chappell led a team of historians in their efforts to tell the story of Williamsburg in a more broad and inclusive way; and

WHEREAS, these efforts led Ed Chappell and his team to restore several historic buildings within the colonial village, offering visitors a more encompassing understanding of what life was like for early Americans; and

WHEREAS, Ed Chappell is also credited with successfully advocating for the establishment of additional greenspace around Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Area, enhancing the beauty and historical faithfulness of the site; and

WHEREAS, frequently appearing in academic journals, Ed Chappell was celebrated as one of the leading vernacular architecture scholars in North America; over the years, he lent his expertise generously to other historical sites and foundations, including Monticello and Mount Vernon; and

WHEREAS, Ed Chappell generously extended his expertise to The College of William and Mary and hundreds of architectural restoration projects throughout the greater Williamsburg area; as a member of the City of Williamsburg Architectural Review Board and its Building Code Board of Appeals, he helped guide the city’s planning efforts for many years; and

WHEREAS, in recognition of his decades of service on behalf of his alma mater, The College of William and Mary bestowed the Prentis Award, its highest stewardship honor, upon Ed Chappell in 2013; and

WHEREAS, Ed Chappell will be dearly remembered and fondly missed by his loving wife, Susan, and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of Edward A. Chappell, Jr., an esteemed architectural historian who devoted his career to Williamsburg and the Commonwealth; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Edward A. Chappell, Jr., as an expression of the General Assembly’s respect for his memory.