WELCOME TO WATERFORD!

We are pleased to welcome you as new residents of our National Historic Landmark (NHL) of Waterford. The 1,420 acres, including the village and its surrounding open space, were designated a National Historic Landmark in 1970. This is the highest designation of historic significance possible in our country; it places Waterford on par with Mount Vernon and Monticello – a rare honor. Landmark designation was based on what the U.S. Secretary of the Interior perceived as an extraordinary balance between the buildings of an intact 18th – 19th century rural mill town and the unspoiled agricultural setting that surrounds it. Waterford is also rare in that it is still a living community.

Now that you are living here, we want to provide you with information that may be useful as you settle into our unique community. First, let us explain the two organizations that have made Waterford such an exceptional village, either or both of which you are welcome to join.

The Waterford Foundation

Founded in 1943, the Waterford Foundation is one of America’s first community-based historic preservation organizations. Our mission is to preserve the historic buildings and open spaces of our National Historic Landmark, and, through education, to increase the public’s knowledge of life and work in an early American rural community. We invite you to join us in fulfilling this mission as a Waterford Foundation member, donor, and/or volunteer. The Waterford Fair, the Second Street School program, the Waterford Craft School, and more, help support the mission of preservation and education. You can find out more here: https://www.waterfordfoundation.org/

The Waterford Citizens Association

The Waterford Citizens’ Association (WCA) was established in 1954 to support the citizens of the Waterford School District in the preservation of our historic heritage and to promote citizen involvement in the Waterford community. The WCA hosts the Fourth of July Celebration, monitors citizen concerns, beautifies the neighborhood, and offers many opportunities for volunteering. You can access their website and get information on membership here: https://www.waterfordcitizens.org/

Waterford 2033 Project

There is currently an effort underway in which the Waterford Foundation and WCA are working collaboratively to envision infrastructure, sustainability, and other improvements needed in the NHL. The project was named Waterford 2033 as a nod to preparing for the 300^th anniversary of Waterford’s founding. The Foundation and WCA created an ad hoc Committee to drive the visioning and, eventually, planning of work to be done. All NHL residents are welcome to join in this effort and can do so by contacting the Chair of the Committee, Cate Magennis Wyatt (catemwyatt@gmail.com).

Living in the Historic District

Because we are a designated Historic District, you should be aware of guidelines and restrictions that may apply to your property under the Loudoun County Historic District Guidelines; find out more here: https://www.loudoun.gov/1871/Historic-District-Guidelines. If you are living in a historic home, you can find renovation and upkeep best practices from the National Park Service here: https://www.nps.gov/tps/standards.htm.

If your home is under a preservation easement of any kind, you should review the provisions and regulations of the easement carefully to ensure that any work you do is done within the guidelines. Although these may sound constraining, each organization offers experts in all fields of restoration and their advice is free!

Activities

Hiking the Phillips Farm Interpretive Trail is a favorite pastime. Enjoy the 1.5 mile hike that takes you through protected wetland. You can learn more about the trail, the natural habitat it shares, and trail rules here: https://www.waterfordfoundation.org/phillips-farm-land-use/
The Friends of Waterford, Virginia Facebook page is where many residents share information about events, preservation ideas, and other issues of local interest. Page Link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2486315331651427.
The Waterford Fair is held during the first full weekend of October each year. It features juried artisans demonstrating historic crafts, wonderful food and drinks, music, and many other activities. You could be one of the volunteers who make it all happen. Learn more here: https://www.waterfordfairva.org/.
The Waterford Craft School furthers the Foundation’s mission of education through a variety of traditional and modern classes and workshops held at the historic Old School and taught by master artisans. Find out more: https://craftschool.waterfordfoundation.org/.
The Waterford Concert Series features distinguished, nationally-recognized musicians four to six times each year with performances held in The Old School Auditorium You can learn more about the series here: https://waterfordconcertseries.org/
Prepare for some wonderful holiday celebrations in the village. The WCA sponsors Fourth of July and other celebrations. Waterford Elementary School sponsors an amazing village Halloween event that is fun for all ages.

Businesses in the Village:

The Corner Store where you can find antiques, local products, snacks, beer, and wine. The website can be accessed here: https://www.thecornerstoreva.com/
The Waterford Market where you can find food, drinks, and handmade wool products. You can learn more about the Market here: https://www.waterfordvillage.org/waterford-market/
Loudoun Mutual Insurance: In 1849, a group of Waterford leaders and businessmen established the Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Loudoun County, now known as Loudoun Mutual Insurance Company. https://www.loudounmutual.com/

Two artists have studios in town:

Katherine Riedel – http://wlast.org/artist/KatherineRiedel.html
Antonia Walker Fine Art – http://www.antoniawalker.net/

The Evry.bdy Fitness collective offers workout classes online and in-person at the John Wesley Church. There is no charge for taking part in their classes. You can learn more about this group here: https://www.facebook.com/evrybdyfitness

There are three vineyards within the NHL:

Terra Nebulo – http://www.terranebulo.com/
Carriage House Wineworks – https://www.chwwinery.com/
Village Winery – http://www.villagewineryandvineyards.com/

Houses of Worship

Catoctin Presbyterian Church – http://www.catoctin.org/
Waterford Baptist Church – http://www.historicwaterfordbaptist.org/

Supporting the Waterford Foundation

Please feel free to drop by our office in The Old School on Fairfax Street, to learn more about us and how you might become involved. We always welcome volunteers, new members, and all donors! Membership is a primary support for the Foundation, but you can also donate during giving campaigns or become a sustaining donor, providing an ongoing monthly donation. The annual Waterford Fair is our largest fundraiser, but we also host “Feast with Friends” dinners, among other fundraisers.

Women For Waterford is a giving circle that benefits the Waterford Foundation through educational and social activities: https://www.womenforwaterford.com/

The Foundation is an Amazon Smile charity that you can choose to receive the matching funds Amazon provides to non-profits. Amazon donates 0.5% of your eligible purchases at no cost to you.

We are so pleased to welcome you to Waterford and hope you will call on us to learn more!