The greater Waterford community has been working hard to raise the funds we need to rebuild the Old School Auditorium, destroyed by a January 2007 fire. Many, many generous donors and grantors have brought us to this gratifying moment:
The Waterford Foundation announced on April 19 that construction will of the new Waterford Old School auditorium will begin in July.
"None of us who stood in the yard of the Old School on that cold January day in 2007 will ever forget the sight of the fire that damaged the Old School and destroyed the auditorium," said Bonnie Getty, president of the Waterford Foundation. "It has been a long four years of fundraising and planning, but I am thrilled to announce that [on April 18] the Board of Directors voted unanimously to move forward with the rebuilding of the Old School auditorium."
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Recognizing the loss to the community of their beloved Old School, the Foundation Board of Directors immediately vowed to rebuild the Old School and the auditorium in a way that is "respectful of its history and its place in the community." Fundraising, insurance negotiations, planning, and community, state, and local approvals led to the restoration and reopening of the 1910 classroom building on January 25, 2009, two years after the fire and at a cost of $518,500.
Meanwhile, as the Old School auditorium went through its own design development and review, the Foundation launched the Raise the Roof of the Old School capital campaign to raise additional funds needed for the new auditorium. Four years later, generous donations and pledges, grants, and corporate and funding support from the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors have brought the capital campaign to a level where the Foundation can confidently begin construction of the auditorium. Total costs for constructing the auditorium will be about $1,860,000.
President Getty says: "Taking this step will involve risks and challenges. But we have already met many challenges with the design, the approval process, and fundraising in a tough economy. With the cash in the Old School account, pledges, grants, and funds from the sale of one of our historic buildings, we will have funding of approximately $1.485 million when we break ground on July 1. To cover the additional $375,000 in costs, we will use additional fundraising and a small loan. The more money we raise, the less we will need to borrow." A purchase agreement for the Tin Shop, recently protected by an updated restrictive easement, has been executed with the Journey Through Hallowed Ground Partnership, a collaborative nonprofit organization headquartered in Waterford.
When it opens its doors to the public, the new Waterford Old School will stand as a gateway to the National Historic Landmark and be a welcoming destination for visitors, residents, and all those interested in preserving this special place in American history.
The restored classroom building will house the Waterford Foundation's offices on the second floor and visitor services and meeting space on the first.
The new auditorium—linked to the classroom building by a glassed atrium containing kitchen and display space and a gracious entry hall—will serve as a venue for a variety of educational and cultural programs hosted by the Waterford Foundation and other organizations, as well as for meetings, classes, and social activities for the greater community.
About the
renovation of the Old School 
Old School "Raise the Roof" Campaign
You also can make your donation by phone. Please call (540) 882-3018. |
We continue to fundraise for completion of the building, and for interior furnishings.
Since 1943 dedicated, grassroots public support by members and donors has sustained The Waterford Foundation's mission. Your support has earned us praise from the National Park Service, which in its reaffirmation of the Waterford National Historic District Landmark in 2007, stated: "We wish to commend the Waterford Foundation on its heroic and sustained efforts…in promoting good stewardship, and to commend the many property owners who have so lovingly managed their land and buildings." In 2010, Waterford celebrated its 40th anniversary as a National Historic Landmark and was designated as a Preserve America Community--thanks in large part to the efforts of the Foundation and its members.
We ask you to help us carry this historic legacy to the next generation. The Waterford Foundation has established the Rebuild the Old School Fund. Donations can be sent to the Waterford Foundation at P.O. Box 142, Waterford, VA 20197, or can be made above.
The Waterford Foundation, Inc., is registered with the Virginia
Division of Consumer Protection. A financial statement is
available upon written request from the Office of Consumer
Affairs.
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