Historic Petersburg: Virginia’s Best Kept Secret. Video provided courtesy of VSU Today.
“Just down the hill from Virginia State University lies one of the true treasures of the Commonwealth (of Virginia). Petersburg is a centuries old city that has survived so much, but its majestic homes stand proud to tell its history…”
In the mid-1960s those citizens interested in historic preservation began to see the need for a local organization that could specialize in the acquisition of historic buildings, large and small, for re-sale and adaptation to modern usage.
The Petersburg Chamber of Commerce, and especially its Vice President, Paul Welch, saw the need to invigorate the flagging economy of the city by promoting tourism. In order to accomplish this, Petersburg’s architectural and historical treasures had to be saved from demolition.
In 1967, a group of local preservationists, including the Mayor of Petersburg, the President of the Fort Henry branch of the 
Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities and the Vice President of the Petersburg Chamber of Commerce, formed Historic Petersburg Foundation, Inc., a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization. Their purpose was to protect Petersburg’s irreplaceable architectural heritage of historic structures and adapt these structures to modern use.
Historic Petersburg Foundation, Inc. received its charter as a non profit organization on September 22, 1967.
One of the first tasks was to prepare the first architectural survey of historic buildings in the city. This survey established the basis for more detailed surveys needed to designate local historic districts in Petersburg.
The organization’s preservation success stories include saving small workers cottages, grand homes and commercial buildings. Because of the efforts and actions of HPF, many historic structures that were once threatened are now beloved local landmarks.
Through the years, HPF has presented a wide variety of activities, tours and educational programs in accordance with its mission of promoting Petersburg’s history.
A fun way to support HPF is with the annual Ball in the ‘Burg fundraiser, held each February. We encourage our guests to wear a costume related to the theme, but you’ll see many folks in traditional black tie attire as well. The Ball in the ‘Burg offers sponsorship opportunities, dancing to live music and bidding on a variety of unique items in the Live and Silent Auctions.
Thank you for your interest in Historic Petersburg Foundation, Inc. We would be grateful for your support and invite you to follow us on Facebook.
Our mission is “to lead the preservation and restoration of Petersburg’s historic architecture, and neighborhoods and to tell their story.”