Virginia State Seal Virginia Department of Historic Resources

DHR Guidance Regarding Confederate Monuments

R. Lee Monument, Richmond, with graffiti.
R. Lee Monument, Richmond. (Photo: Adam Dawson)

As of July 1, 2020, localities may legally remove monuments.

DHR offers these guidelines to support the removal of monuments in a manner adhering to best preservation practices, one that will also allow for input from local officials and citizenry about the ultimate fate of each monument.

Additionally, Preservation Virginia convened an “interracial working group of Virginia preservation practitioners and scholars with varied backgrounds” to create a checklist of best practices to guide localities who are considering removal of war monuments and memorials.

Originally posted: June 25, 2020
Updated: July 15, 2021