Vote for John Marshall’s Supreme Court Justice Robes to be one of Virginia’s Most Endangered Artifacts

For the past several years, Preservation Virginia has been pursuing funding to preserve the Supreme Court Judicial Robes of John Marshall. In his 35 years as Chief Justice, John Marshall shaped the Supreme Court into the third equal branch of the U.S. Government. His judicial robes are the most significant surviving artifact documenting his extraordinary legal career. On constant exhibit for decades, the robes have deteriorated due to the black dye used to color them. Today the textile is shredding and turning to dust. Without immediate stabilization and documentation this important artifact will be lost forever.

Help Preservation Virginia raise awareness for this important conservation project by voting for the robes as one of Virginia’s Top Ten Endangered Artifacts, a project of the Virginia Collections Initiative. Virginia's Top Ten Endangered Artifact campaign is designed to complement the existing Most Endangered Historic Sites program run by Preservation Virginia, drawing attention to the threats described and to encourage citizens and organizations to continue to advocate for their protection and preservation.

To vote for the robes, visit: http://www.vatop10artifacts.org/ You can view photographs of the nominees and vote using a secure form or by “liking” photographs of the robes on Picasa.