RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — The Virginia Association of Museums is seeking nominees for the fourth annual list of the state’s Top 10 Endangered Artifacts.

Museums, libraries, archives and historic sites in Virginia and Washington, D.C., are being encouraged to nominate items from their collections until July 12.

Officials say the program showcases the importance of Virginia’s diverse history, heritage, and art and the role that objects play in telling those stories.

While the designation doesn’t come with award money, officials say the program has helped some of those named on the list apply for grants and helped with fundraising.

Public voting on the artifacts is set for August. Along with public input, an independent panel of collections and conservation experts will select the artifacts. The list will be announced in September.

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