HJ196: Commending Christopher M. Calkins.

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 196

Offered February 6, 2020
Commending Christopher M. Calkins.
Patron-- Wright

WHEREAS, Christopher M. Calkins, a historian who demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the preservation of the Commonwealth’s cultural resources, retired from Virginia State Parks on January 1, 2020; and

WHEREAS, Christopher Calkins was responsible for the creation of Sailor’s Creek Battlefield Historical State Park, having selflessly furnished the exhibits with pieces from his own collections; and

WHEREAS, Christopher Calkins donated personal funds for the conservation of historic structures, properties, and research materials for the benefit of the Commonwealth’s citizens; and

WHEREAS, for 34 years, Christopher Calkins served the National Park Service with equal commitment, concluding his exemplary career as the chief of interpretation at Petersburg National Battlefield where he oversaw the land protection plan that selected 7,238 acres critical for the expansion of the park; and

WHEREAS, as a board member for the Association for the Preservation of Civil War Sites, Inc., Christopher Calkins was an early architect and advocate for the modern battlefield preservation movement in Virginia, giving rise to the nationwide organization known today as the American Battlefield Trust; and

WHEREAS, in 1994, Christopher Calkins envisioned and launched the Lee’s Retreat Driving Tour, giving rise to the Civil War Trails program, which now covers more than 1,200 sites across six states; and

WHEREAS, in 2014, Christopher Calkins was recognized by the American Association for State and Local History and was one of only three Virginians to receive its Award of Merit; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Christopher M. Calkins on the occasion of his retirement from Virginia State Parks; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Christopher M. Calkins as an expression of the General Assembly’s admiration for his legacy of unparalleled service, which will directly benefit future generations of history-makers.