Richmond: Preserving a Legacy – Virtual Lecture
2025-11-13 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
Richmond: Preserving a Legacy — Securing Richmond’s Irreplaceable Historic Architecture for Enlightenment, Enjoyment, and Use

Virtual Lecture with Calder Loth, Architectural Historian

Thursday, November 13, 2025

Premiere: 12:00 pm

Register Here

*Registrants will receive lecture link in their confirmation e-mail.

Join us for a virtual lecture with Calder Loth, architectural historian, as he takes us on a visual walk through Richmond’s architectural landscape. With decades of expertise and a deep passion for preservation, Loth will highlight many of the city’s most iconic structures, as well as hidden gems, and explore the historic districts and preservation tools that help shape our sense of place. Don’t miss this opportunity to discover how Richmond’s historic structures continue to tell their stories and serve their communities for generations to come.

Private Home
2026-04-16 18:00 - 20:00
Thursday, April 16, 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Join us for a tour of a private Hampton Gardens residence, a rare historic cottage in Richmond’s West End. Dating to the mid-19th century, this one-story, Italianate dwelling features a low hip roof, S-curve brackets supporting deep eaves, 11 foot ceilings and historic outbuildings. An 1881 deed shows the cottage on a 99 acre farm named “Sharon”, owned by the Williams family, several of whom were instrumental in the founding of the University of Richmond’s law school. Today, the residence sits among the stately Colonial Revival homes of a Westhampton neighborhood developed by businessman Abram L McClellan in the early 20th century.

Tickets: This event is for members only.

Memberships are sold out!

Our 2026 Quoit Club season is generously sponsored by:

Creating Historic Church Hill Spring Lecture
2026-04-21 17:30 - 19:30
“Much to make them linger”: Creating Historic Church Hill

Tuesday, April 21, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Address – (Monumental Church) 1224 E Broad St, Richmond, VA 23219

Join us at Monumental Church with Blake McDonald, architectural historian, as he shares the unique architecture of Richmond’s oldest neighborhood ahead of this year’s Historic Garden Week tour of Church Hill co-hosted by the Council of Historic Richmond and the Garden Club of Virginia. Church Hill, renowned for its well-preserved architecture, has long charmed locals and visitors alike. This lecture explores nearly three centuries of Church Hill’s history, from the 1737 Byrd Plan through Historic Richmond’s innovative mid-20th century Pilot Block project.

Click Here to Register!

Historic Richmond’s 2026 Programming is generously presented by:

Historic Garden Week – Church Hill Tour
2026-04-22 10:00 - 16:00
Church Hill, Richmond’s oldest neighborhood, is a vibrant testament to the city’s rich history and architectural legacy. Steeped in Revolutionary War significance, it is home to St. John’s Church, where Patrick Henry delivered his famous “Give me liberty, or give me death!” speech in 1775. As the United States celebrates its 250th birthday, Church Hill stands as a living monument to the nation’s origins. The neighborhood is renowned for its well-preserved architecture, with historic homes and churches offering a glimpse into the past. Tourgoers will appreciate both the walking tour and the area’s preservation efforts.

Tickets Here

Wednesday, April 22, 2026

Tickets

$55/person in advance

$65/person day-of

Visit gcvirginia.org to purchase tickets.

Tours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Explore additional Wednesday tour activities on our Instagram @council_of_historicrichmond

Thank you to our generous sponsors: Arborscapes, Ashby’s Inc., Classic Party Rentals, Cross Creek Nursery and Landscaping, Everyday Gourmet, FastSigns, Friends of Historic Richmond, Ginger & Tim Hampton, Tyler Finney -Heron’s Point Wealth Partners, Janet Brown Interiors, Lane Homes & Remodeling, Meadows Farms, NORTH of the JAMES, RE/MAX Commonwealth, RTD Homes, Strange’s, u-fab interiors, and Ultimate Pools

The Council of Historic Richmond hosts the Wednesday Richmond tour during Historic Garden Week, in partnership with the Garden Club of Virginia and four Richmond-area garden clubs. Council is a women’s volunteer auxiliary group that supports Historic Richmond’s mission of preservation and neighborhood revitalization.

Monumental Church Spring Open House
2026-05-14 16:00 - 19:00
You’re invited to a Monumental Celebration!

Spring Open HouseThursday, May 14 | 4:00–7:00 p.m.Monumental Church (1224 E. Broad St.)

Please join us for a spring open house celebrating Monumental Church and showcasing our recent grant‑funded improvements.

With support from two generous grants, Historic Richmond has completed two high‑priority projects at the site: a comprehensive interior lighting initiative funded by the Virginia 250 Preservation Fund, and a new signage and interpretation project supported by the Commonwealth History Fund at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture.

This event is free and open to the public, with drinks and light bites provided.

Registration is encouraged.

Register Now

William Fox Elementary
2026-05-21 18:00 - 20:00
Thursday, May 21, 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Address – 2300 Hanover Ave, the Fan Historic District

Originally built in 1911, William Fox Elementary was designed by Charles M Robinson and sits on an entire city block in the center of the Fan District. It is a two-story brick and stone building, mostly vernacular in style with some Arts and Crafts influence, topped by a cupola. In 2022 the building suffered a devastating fire, resulting in an outpouring of community support to preserve the building. The school reopened for the 2025-2026 year. Join us for a tour and discussion of the recently renovated school with Quin Evans, the local architecture firm that worked on this project.

This is a Richmond Public School property; please note alcohol will not be served.

Parking: Street parking is available in the Fan.

Sold Out

Our 2026 Quoit Club season is generously sponsored by:

The Well Collective, Branch and Co. Building
2026-06-18 18:00 - 20:00
Thursday, June 18, 6:00-8:00p.m.

Address – 1015 E Main Street, Main Street Banking Historic District

Join us for a tour of The Well Collective, located within the historic Branch & Co Building at 1015 E Main Street within the Main Street Banking Historic District. Originally constructed in 1866, this building is one of three remaining original cast iron front buildings in Richmond. The Well Collective is a nonprofit that serves as a community-focused organization that offers a diverse set of programming for personal and community development, while acknowledging Richmond’s unique history and its role in the broader American narrative.

Parking: There are multiple parking lots downtown, as well as street parking. View an interactive map of public parking details here.

Sold Out

Our 2026 Quoit Club season is generously sponsored by:

Tilt Creative + Production
2026-07-16 18:00 - 20:00
Thursday, July 16, 6:00-8:00p.m.

Address – 23 S 13th Street, Shockoe Slip Old & Historic District

Join us as we tour the Golden Hammer Awards winner for Downtown Dynamism. Originally built as three buildings dating from 1874 and 1875, it served as a tannery shop, letter shop, and dry goods store. The building is now owned by Tilt Creative + Production, a minority-and-women-owned creative agency. Tilt’s renovation of a Reconstruction-era building in Shockoe Slip is a tribute to the city’s resilience and transformation. The project embodies the spirit of resistance and progress, blending Richmond’s history with its future through thoughtful design and creative adaptation.

Parking: There are multiple parking lots downtown, as well as street parking. View an interactive map of public parking details here.

Purchase Ticket Here

Our 2026 Quoit Club season is generously sponsored by:

Maymont – Dooley Mansion
2026-08-20 18:00 - 20:00
Thursday, August 20, 6:00-8:00p.m.

Address – 1700 Hampton St

Join Maymont staff for a behind-the-scenes tour of the Dooley Mansion, newly reopened after a milestone renovation. The Dooley — or Maymont — Mansion was built in 1893 and stands as a remarkably complete expression of Gilded Age luxury and opulence. Guests will learn about the Mansion’s history as well as the extensive restoration work completed as part of Maymont’s campaign leading up to its 100th anniversary.

Parking: Use Hampton Street Entrance- 1700 Hampton St. will take you to parking lot.

Sold Out

Our 2026 Quoit Club season is generously sponsored by:

Cabin Hill – Private Residence
2026-09-17 18:00 - 20:00
Thursday, September 17, 6:00-8:00p.m.

Cabin Hill, located on the James River, was originally constructed circa 1910 as two log cabins and in 1964 the owners engaged renowned architect Bud Hyland to design a Mid-Century Modern addition to create a kitchen and make it a more family friendly home. The addition has his signature vertical board and batten exterior, which true to his Frank Lloyd Wright training blended seamlessly with the cabin and natural surroundings. New owners will discuss their plans to bring the house into the 21st century for the next generation.

Tickets: This event is for members only.

Memberships are sold out!

Our 2026 Quoit Club season is generously sponsored by:

2026 Golden Hammer Awards
2026-10-29 17:30 - 19:30
The Golden Hammer Awards began in 2000 to honor excellence in neighborhood revitalization projects throughout greater Richmond. The program recognizes professionals and community members improving our neighborhoods through restoration, adaptive reuse, new construction, placemaking, and historic preservation.

Celebrate the Golden Hammer AwardsThursday, October 29, 2026 5:30-7:30 p.m.at Hardywood Park Craft Brewery – Richmond

Submit your project for a Golden Hammer Award!

Application fees are $100 for businesses, $25 for nonprofits and community member entries. Applications must be submitted before 11:59 p.m. on September 11, 2026.

Projects must be completed after January 1, 2025 and located in the greater Richmond area (City of Richmond, Counties of Chesterfield, Hanover, and Henrico) to be considered for the categories of: Best Restoration, Best Adaptive Reuse, Best New Construction, Best Residential, Best Placemaking & Urban Design and our newest award: Best Design! (Best Interior and Best Vision)

Interested in becoming a sponsor? Contact Noelle Stith at nstith@historicrichmond.com for sponsorship information and opportunities.

Golden Hammer Awards 2026 Application
"*" indicates required fields

FacebookThis field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.Judging Criteria

Quality of the renovation/restoration/installation – inside and/or outside:
Design, materials, and construction methods utilized in the project.
Creative design or physical form was used to solve a difficult problem or to
express a thoughtful, local, environmentally-sound solution.

Initial condition to completion:
What was the scope of the work undertaken by the nominee? A new project?
A “remodeling” project or complete renovation?

Impact on the surrounding area:
What was the physical impact the project had on improving the surrounding area?
Has the project created additional opportunities for others to improve the neighborhood?
What civic impact did the project initiate or establish?
Was community engagement included as part of the design process?
Did the project create a sense of a public place for the neighborhood?

Risk taken by the owner or developer:
Was the project pioneering in the neighborhood or section of a neighborhood?
Was there financial risk taken or challenging site conditions unique to the project?

Heavier weight is given to projects that:
Have a positive impact on the surrounding area
Utilize high-quality, sustainable materials, improves energy efficiency, or minimizes carbon footprint
Are creative or innovative in approach
Contribute to the overall revitalization of the community
Are elegant design solutions
Provide opportunities for community-driven design
Offer something back to the Richmond community

Applications are due September 11, 2026 at 11:59pm.
Projects must be completed after January 1, 2025.Contact Person Name*

First

Last

Contact Person Email*

Contact Person Phone*Project Information:Project/Building Name*Project/Building Address*Project/Building Completion Date*Property/Building Owner Information:Property/Building Owner Name

First (or Company Name)

Last

Property/Building Owner AddressProperty/Building Owner PhoneProperty/Building Owner Email

Project Team InformationArchitecture FirmDeveloperDraftsman (if outside of Architecture Firm)EngineerContractorLandscape ArchitectTax Credit ConsultantInterior DesignerHistoric Tax Credit Certification*

Yes

No
Historical Use of Building (if known)Previous Use(s)OtherProject DescriptionProgram Project Description*Description to be used in the program (1100 minimum characters & 1500 max characters). Project Description for Judges (More details for them.)*Description to be used by Judges. What would you like for them to know about your project? Floorplans are really useful as well. Select ALL Categories That Align With Your Project*Please note that in judging sometimes projects get moved to other categories depending on their criteria. Judges will make the final decision on which category a project is judged on. Depending on the submissions pool, additional categories may be awarded. It is helpful to know which categories you believe your project aligns with.

Best Restoration

Best Adaptive Reuse

Best New Construction

Best Placemaking & Urban Design: Large Scale (i.e. parks, urban streetscapes etc.) or small Scale (i.e. community gardens, grassroots programming)

Best Residential

Best Design (Best Interior and Best Architecture) (New Category)
Project Photos*Photos: Please include up to 10 High Resolution photos of the project, named clearly to indicate what they are to be
used during the judging process. 1. Tell your story through pictures! Include at least two of each of the following:
before, after, interior, exterior, and details. When possible, photos that show before and after of the same space are
helpful for the judges. 2. ALL PHOTOS MUST BE LABELED AS: PROJECT ADDRESS_DESCRIPTION_BEFORE/AFTER. 3. Each
submission should have a resolution of 150-300 dpi. Save the file in JPG format. 4. Please no collages or text overlays. Additional Materials: Site plan and/or relevant floor plans: These plans can provide critical information beyond photos. Many architect
driven projects include these plans, please include if your project has them. Documents must be labeled as
project ADDRESS_SITE PLAN/FLOOR PLAN_BEFORE/AFTER. Save the file in PDF format.

Drop files here or
Select files

Accepted file types: pdf, jpg, Max. file size: 5 GB, Max. files: 12. Terms and ConditionsI have read, understood and agree to the following: Historic Richmond has the rights to use your submission in publication, both in print and online, and in promotions, publications, and exhibitions. Competitors will be credited when submissions are used. All submissions will be archived and will not be returned. The applicant has filled out the form and agrees that all companies involved have been included to the best of their knowledge and owners are aware of the submission.Acknowledgement*

I agree to the terms and conditions.
Application FeeThere will be an application fee of $100 for businesses, $25 for nonprofits and community member entries.GH Business Submission $100GH Nonprofit Submission $25Total

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