Our Mission

Historic Hopewell Foundation’s mission is the interpretation of the history of the City of Hopewell and to support its historic properties.

In its vision statement Historic Hopewell Foundation sees itself as a leading partner in the dynamic future of Hopewell by being an accessible and vibrant historical organization that engages the local community and reaches an ever-widening audience. Historic Hopewell Foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit organization.

Our History

The foundation was created in 1972 to preserve the main house – Weston Manor  (1789). The house, one of the last remaining manor homes on the Appomattox River, was restored and opened to the public as a historic house museum. It is considered a classic example of Virginia Georgian architecture.

In 2008 the two largest dependencies, the kitchen and laundry buildings, were recreated on the site. The kitchen has been opened to the public for tours and the laundry now contains the All Manor of Things gift shop.

Historic Hopewell Foundation acquired another historic property in Hopewell, the St. Denis Chapel (1887) in 1985.  This structure is located in the City Point National Historic District of Hopewell. The St. Denis Chapel was restored and became the site of the City Point Early History Museum, housing exhibitions highlighting the area's rich history, including A Civil War Encampment, Hopewell China, and Contrabands, Colored Troops, and City Point.

Governed by a Board of Trustees, Historic Hopewell Foundation is predominantly a volunteer organization. Over 90 members of the community annually volunteer their time and talents on a regular basis for the Historic Hopewell Foundation, whether they act as interpreters for the sites, help out with special events, serve on committees or work in the gift shop.

Friends of Hopewell Historic Foundation

Petersburg Regional Area Tourism

Prince George Regional Heritage Center

Virginia Association of Museums

Friends of the Lower Appomattox River

Appomattox Regional Library System

Prince George Hopewell Chamber of Commerce

National Park Service, Petersburg Battlefield sites (Crater and City Point sites)