Historic Preservation and Museum Services identifies, interprets, rehabilitates, protects, and preserves historic and cultural resources in Henrico County. For general information about services, call 652-3404.
The Historic Roadside Marker and Building Plaque Programs
These programs promote awareness of Henrico County history through the identification of historic resources. Roadside markers feature narratives that recognize an important person, place, or event. Historic plaques display the construction date of significant historical structures. Information: 652-3405.
Library
The Library has extensive subject files, periodicals, and other works on topics related to local history, historic preservation, and folk arts. Information: 501-5123.
Archives
The Archives serve as a repository for manuscripts, personal papers, correspondence, account books, receipts, photographs, and video materials. The Meadow Farm Sheppard Family papers (1770-1980) are deposited here as well as a collection of significant materials related to local history. For an appointment, call 501-5123.
For more information on Historic Preservation and Museum Services, contact Chris Gregson, 652-3405; Kim Sicola, 652-3404; Sheryl Mays, 652-3409; or Alyson Rhodes-Murphy, 501-5123.
Home and Community: Meadow Farm Through the Years
Through archeological artifacts, family documents, photographs, and farming and household objects, discover the rich history of this property from Native American occupation through seven generations of the Sheppard family. Permanent Exhibit at Meadow Farm Museum Orientation Center.
From Tomato Clubs to Home Demonstration Clubs: A Training Ground for Women
This exhibit is based on two scrapbooks in the County's collection. These scrapbook pages chronicle the activities of Henrico County's Home Demonstration Clubs from 1912-1960. During this period, club members studied a variety of topics from new methods of canning fruits and vegetables to making clothes from feedsack cloth. Through March 31, 2009 at Meadow Farm Museum Orientation Center.
The County of Henrico owns 12 historic sites that are administered by the Division of Recreation and Parks. Most are open to the public and serve the community in a variety of ways. Some are museums that interpret the history of the County and regional culture of the Richmond/Henrico metropolitan area. Others have historic components, tours, displays and programs, but are also available to rent and are utilized for a variety of classes and programs. Some are structures in a park setting that can be enjoyed while driving by or stopping to read roadside markers.
The Armour House and Gardens at Meadowview Park
Archeologists identified two areas of prehistoric Native American occupation in Meadowview Park. In the early 19th century, a country residence of Chief Justice John Marshall stood nearby, known as Chickahominy Farm. Confederate General Robert E. Lee observed the beginnings of the Seven Days' Battle from the bluff at Meadowview. Edmund Christian built the house at Meadowview in 1915. 4001 Clarendon Rd., Henrico, Virginia. 343-3506. Open Mon-Fri, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Clarke-Palmore House Museum
Built in stages beginning in 1819, John Clarke purchased the property in 1855 and added the second story. His daughter Estelle and her husband John Palmore added the clapboard section in 1910. In 1999, Vera Morton, daughter of John and Estelle Palmore, donated the house and 12 acres to the County. 904 McCoul Street. Open by appointment, call 652-3409.
Courtney Road Service Station
Built around 1925 when there was an increase in cars and improved roads. Owned by the Barlow family and operated by Mr. Wiltshire, locals recall the station/store as a community social center. 10698 Courtney Road. Open by appointment, call 501-5520.
Dabbs House
This house served as General Robert E. Lee's field headquarters during the summer of 1862. Built in the 1820s, the original two-room dwelling was known as High Meadow. In 1859, Josiah Dabbs moved to the property with his wife Mary Catherine. Dabbs died in January 1862, and his widow moved into the city of Richmond. General Lee and his staff received permission from Mrs. Dabbs to use her vacant home as his new field headquarters in June 1862. In 1883, Henrico County purchased the property to use as an almshouse for the poor. Dabbs House was later used as Henrico's police headquarters from 1941-2005. 3812 Nine Mile Road. 652-3409. Open for tours Mon-Fri, noon-4 p.m. and mornings and weekends by appointment.
Deep Run School
Built in 1902, this two room school house served the Short Pump community until 1911. Short Pump Park, 3401 Pump Road. Open Sat & Sun, 1-4 p.m. Weekdays by appointment.
Dorey Park
The 400-acre property was settled by Francis Frederick Dorey in the early 1900s. The farm was an important dairy operation in the County during the early part of the 20th century. 7200 Dorey Park Drive. Recreation Center is open Mon-Fri, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Forest Lodge
This tower and columns are the last remaining architectural elements from the 1880s resort hotel built by John Cussons. Mountain Road and Old Washington Highway. Self-Guided.
Henrico Theatre
This art deco movie house opened to the public on April 25, 1938. The theatre operated through 1997, when owner Randy Horne sold the property to Henrico County. The Henrico Theatre reopened to the public on October 27, 2007. 305 E. Nine Mile Road. 328-4491. Open Mon-Fri, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Meadow Farm Museum
The farm was owned by seven generations of the Sheppard family, starting in the early 1700s. From this site, Tom and Pharaoh, slaves working for Mosby Sheppard, warned him of a proposed slave rebellion on August 30, 1800. 3400 Mountain Road. 501-2130.
Nuckols Farm
Israel Nuckols purchased this property in 1849. Six generations of the Nuckols family lived here. In the 1920s, the Nuckols family began a successful dairy farm. In 2005, the County of Henrico purchased the property to preserve it for public use. 3501 Gayton Hills Lane.
Spring Park
The Bloomingdale Land Company most likely had the granite springhouse constructed sometime in the 1890s. By 1901, Spring Park, the oldest park in Henrico County, appeared in an advertisement about a proposed subdivision adjacent to the park. Near this site, Gabriel, a slave of Thomas Prosser, organized the slave rebellion of 1800. Lakeside and Park Avenues. Self-Guided.
Walkerton Tavern
Constructed in 1825 for John Walker, the Inn served travelers along Mountain Road. It is architecturally notable for its hinged, swinging, two-segment partition that was used to enlarge an upstairs room to accommodate guests. From 1857 to 1941, Walkerton was the home of the Hopkins family. The Bowles family purchased the home in 1941 and sold it to S. Douglas Fleet in 1986. Mr. Fleet sold the property to Henrico County in 1995. 2892 Mountain Road. 261-6898. Open Mon-Fri, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Virginia Randolph Museum
This brick structure built in 1937 was the home economics cottage for the Virginia Randolph Education Center. Virginia Randolph, an innovative black educator in vocational training, kept an office in this building during the latter part of her life. Miss Randolph died in 1958 and is buried in front of the building. In 1974, this structure was dedicated as a museum in honor of Miss Randolph. The Museum, which is operated by Henrico County Public Schools, is a National Register Landmark. 2200 Mountain Road. 262-3363.
Henrico County Historical Society
The Society meets quarterly for a lecture or discussion on a topic of local historical interest. The Society also organizes special tours and other programs. Members receive a quarterly newsletter and annual magazine. For membership information, call Sarah Pace at 501-5682.