OUR MISSION

HHF’s mission is the interpretation of the history of the City of Hopewell through the preservation of its historic properties.

A 501c3 nonprofit, HHF is a unique organization in Hopewell. It is the only historic preservation organization in Hopewell whose sole purpose is to preserve the historic sites in that city and to provide an exhibition space to display and interpret the city’s history.

In its vision for the future HHF 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.

OUR HISTORY

The foundation was created in 1972 to preserve the main house of Weston Plantation (1789). The house, one of the last remaining plantation 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 plantation 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 HHF gift shop.

HHF has another historic property in Hopewell, the St. Dennis Chapel (1887) in 1985.  This structure is located in the National Historic District of Hopewell. The St. Dennis Chapel was restored and became the site of the City Point Early History Museum. The museum houses exhibitions highlighting the rich history of the area.

Governed by a Board of Trustees, HHF was originally an all volunteer organization. In 2006 the organization hired its first full-time professional staff member, a Director of Museum. Today its staff includes that position and an administrative staff member. Over 90 members of the community annually volunteer their time and talents on a regular basis at HHF, whether they act as interpreters for the sites, help out with special events, serve on committees or work in the gift shop.