The Waterford Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, endeavors to preserve the historic buildings and the open spaces of the National Historic Landmark District of Waterford, Virginia; and through education, to increase the public's knowledge of life and work in an early American rural community.

Of Special Note…

Rendering of new plans for the Old School by Antonia Walker.

We did it! It is a great pleasure to announce that thanks to the generosity of ever-faithful members and supporters, we have achieved the first goal of the Raise the Roof Capital Campaign — to raise $300,000 in contributions and pledges since the Cabell Foundation's 3-to-1 challenge grant was awarded last May, and so earn $100,000 more toward our campaign to rebuild the Old School auditorium. More

New African American History interactive module is here. Thanks to grant support from the National Park Service and the Estate of Paul Mellon, we are pleased to introduce an interactive website module relaying key aspects of Waterford’s unique African American history. Focusing on where they worked (Waterford’s Mill), where they worshipped (John Wesley Community Church) and where they went to school (Second Street School), childhood village residents recount memories and living histories of growing up in Waterford. Sincere thanks to our consultants, Glenshaw Interactive and Boru TV, for their amazing talent in bringing alive this facet of Waterford’s history. Enormous gratitude also goes to the Foundation’s Education Committee, especially John and Bronwen Souders, for lending their time and great expertise to this effort. “Visit” Waterford’s African American Experience. Simply choose a location on the map you wish to visit, click on the “rectangle,” and then step back in time.

The Waterford Foundation 2008 Annual Report is now available on the website for download. Read about Foundation programs and accomplishments in its 65th year. Download the report

Foundation Favorites…

Concert Series. The next event in this popular Foundation program is a free concert at 7:30 p.m. Friday, August 14, when the remarkable Marks family and friends, all professional musicians return to Waterford as part of their second Loudoun County summer festival, called “Musical Remarks.” More

Visit the Second Street School Interactive!
Using video and virtual reality technology, visit the school as one of the students! Explore the classroom to see how a student would learn, play, read, write, and even be punished in 1880. More

A Brief History of Waterford. The history of Waterford is a story of ordinary people who did extraordinary things. They built a thriving town from wilderness; they endured a long and bloody war that threatened to destroy it; and in good times and bad they held tightly to their vision of a special place. More