Virginia House Fund

Perched on a scenic hillside overlooking the historic James River, Virginia House has been a symbol of diplomacy, architecture, and landscape design for nearly a century. Originally an English manor house, it was relocated to Richmond in 1925 and reimagined by Ambassador Alexander and Virginia Weddell, with design by architect Henry Grant Morse and breathtaking gardens by renowned landscape architect Charles Gillette. Since 1929, when the Weddells generously deeded their beloved home to the VMHC, this extraordinary place has welcomed generations of visitors for unforgettable programs, special events, and the community’s beloved annual Spring Garden Party.

Now, as we enter the Virginia House Centennial Period (2025–2029), the VMHC is making critical investments to preserve its beauty, enhance accessibility, and ensure its vitality for future generations. Thanks to support from donors like you, restoration is already underway! This spring, we will proudly dedicate the newly restored Loggia, a defining architectural feature of Virginia House. But this is just the beginning.

As Virginia House turns 100, we must undertake major conservation projects, including:

• Replacing the century-old roof to protect the home’s historic integrity.
• Restoring interior plasterwork, particularly in the second-story rooms affected by years of wear.
• Enhancing accessibility with a new driveway and ramps to improve safety for visitors.
• Upgrading security infrastructure, integrating it with state-of-the-art technology at our headquarters on Arthur Ashe Boulevard.
• Expanding visitor experiences, including new onsite touring resources and a beautifully published book about Virginia House’s history.

The VMHC has been the proud steward of Virginia House for more than 75 years, and today, we invite you to join us as we work to secure its future. By making a gift to the Virginia House Fund, you will ensure that this extraordinary home continues to inspire, educate, and welcome visitors for another century.

Please contact Elizabeth Darling, Manager of Membership & Annual Giving, at 804.342.9692 or edarling@VirginiaHistory.org to make a pledge or gift by phone or check or with any questions.