Gwynn’s Island residents have learned a bit more about the upcoming historic resources survey that will help determine whether the entire island will become a nationally recognized historic district.

During a meeting held at the Gwynn’s Island Civic League building last month, representatives from the Virginia Department of Historic Resources joined members of Preservation Mathews, the local sponsoring organization, to talk about what it will mean to live in a historic district.

Architectural Survey and Cost Share Program Manager Blake McDonald assured those present that they would not have building, design or ownership restrictions placed on their properties. If someone wants to add on to their house, paint it purple, or sell it, they will be able to do so without the government telling them what they can or can’t do, he said. He explained that some jurisdictions might create their own local historic districts on which they place such restrictions, but that is not the purpose o...