Successful Event at Cappahosic

The Fairfield Foundation held its annual Historic House Party at Cappahosic House in Gloucester County on October 2. This year’s event was one of our most successful, with over 140 attendees who together raised more than $18,000! The funds raised from this event help support the restoration of the Timberneck House at Machicomoco State Park, a multi-year effort by the Fairfield Foundation to revitalize this historic house into a venue for learning and accommodation.

Attendees to this year’s event were able to visit the mid-18^th-century Cappahosic House, graciously opened by its owner, which has stood above the banks of the York River since 1756. Cappahosic House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and Virginia Landmarks Register, and is protected by a preservation easement. Party guests enjoyed wonderful food prepared by Shelly Williams, and desserts contributed by Fairfield staff, board members and volunteers. They were entertained by live traditional music played by Victoria Gum and Waverly Garner. This stately colonial home has been lovingly restored and maintained by its current and former owners. Its elevated setting, with glimpses of the York River, hints at its former association with a ferry landing that served travelers for generations. Guests were able to view the interior which includes original 18th-century details, as well as distinctive wood paneling that was installed in the early 20th century. They also spoke with Fairfield staff and board members about archaeological work at Cappahosic, as well as at other sites in the region where the Fairfield Foundation has conducted archaeology outreach programs.

At our education table we also shared information about the Timberneck House rehabilitation. Over the next three years, the Fairfield Foundation is undertaking an ambitious restoration of the c. 1800 house, with a projected total cost of $1.25 million. This event helped kick off the capital campaign to raise funds for this exciting project, and share more information with guests about our future plans for the house. We are thrilled to breathe new life into the Timberneck House and make it a destination for the entire community. Stay tuned for future blogs that will share additional stories and history about this remarkable house and property. To learn more or contribute to this project, visit our Timberneck page.

            We want to extend thanks to our corporate sponsors for supporting this event. Special thanks goes to our Platinum Sponsor, Chesapeake Bank, for their multi-year commitment to help with the Timberneck restoration, and to our Gold Sponsor, Vulcan Materials Company for their generous gift of gravel towards our new driveway. Silver Sponsors to the event include Storybound Construction, and Buxton & Buxton TrustBuilder’s Law Group. Bronze Sponsors include Lori Jackson Black Professional Genealogical Services, Main Street Preservation Trust, Peninsula Heating and Air, and Tri-River Investment Group of Davenport and Company. We extend our sincerest thanks to all the Fairfield board members, staff, and volunteers who donated funds and their time to make this a wonderful event for everyone. Your support makes our programs possible, and has helped the Fairfield Foundation bring archaeology and preservation to the public for more than two decades.