Historic Polegreen Church Site

In 1990 the Presbytery of the James, successor to Hanover Presbytery which had been founded at Polegreen in 1755, authorized the creation of a non-profit foundation, ecumenical in nature, to preserve, enhance and interpret the site of Polegreen Church. The first objective of the foundation was to locate the remains of the colonial church. Archaeologists from Virginia Commonwealth University oversaw the effort, and the remains of the church's foundation were revealed. On the basis of the physical evidence of the church's location and the easily documented record of the important events related to the Hanover Dissenters and Samuel Davies, in 1991 the U.S. National Park Service listed the Polegreen site in the Register of National Historic Places.

The Polegreen Foundation has been the grateful recipient of the advice and counsel of the staff of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Through them the services of internationally known architect Carlton Abbott were obtained. Abbott designed the present unique enhancement over the site of the ancient Polegreen Church. For the first time in 137 years there is something to see on the place which represents one of the great chapters of American history. With growing concern over urban sprawl, which had already begun to have an impact on the surroundings of the old church, the Foundation set out to acquire the view shed around the original site. To date nearly 110 acres have been preserved.

The Foundation welcomes you into its enlarging family. We hope you will be captivated by the preservation and interpretation of one of America's most important historic sites.

Vision Statement
By 2018, the 275th Anniversary of the founding of Polegreen Church, the Foundation will be recognized for its leadership in the historic interpretation of civil and religious freedom in Colonial Virginia through preservation of the site, community outreach and educational programs.

Mission Statement
To preserve the historic Polegreen Church site and commemorate the struggle for civil and religious freedom in Colonial Virginia by Rev. Samuel Davies and the Hanover Dissenters.

To what end: By accomplishing this mission, we preserve the memory of Hanover Dissenters who struggled courageously and successfully for civil and religious freedom in Virginia and in so doing increase appreciation for the liberties that we enjoy today in the United States.

Board of Directors
Robert Bluford, Jr President
Mary Aylett C. Payne Vice President
F. Claiborne Johnston, Jr. Secretary
David W. Fuller Treasurer
Richard E. Bartell
Dr. Virgie M. Binford
Robert Bluford, III
David B. Bradley
Robert B. Giles
Barbara-lyn Morris
Kenneth M. Perry
Everett Reveley
Dorothy C. Robinson
Margaret Thomas
Harry J. Warthen III

Advisory Board
Tommy P. Baer
Charles F. Bryan, Jr.
Hugh Gouldthorpe
Ivor Massey Jr.
Martha Newell
Sumpter T. Priddy, Jr.
W. Taylor Reveley, III
Rev. Jack Sadler
Professor C. Jan Swearingen

Education Advisory Council
Dr. Mathias Bergman Professor of History -- Randolph-Macon College
Dr. William Bosher Director of Commonwealth Education Policy Institute -- Virginia Commonwealth University
Jenny Cote Historical Author -- Atlanta, Georgia
Mark Greenough Supervisor and Historian -- Virginia State Capitol
Jennifer Hurst Statewide Education Coordinator -- Preservation Virginia
June Lehman AP History Educator -- St. Catherine's School
Kay Peninger Patrick Henry Committee -- St. John's Church Foundation
Nora Wheeler Lead Social Studies Specialist -- Hanover County Public Schools
Dr. Jamelle Wilson Assistant Superintendent of Institutional Leadership -- Hanover County Public Schools

For general information or questions, please contact:

Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 2111
Mechanicsville, Virginia 23116

Phone:
(804) 730-3837