Hanover Tavern Foundation

In 1990, Hanover Tavern Foundation was formed to purchase the aging structure from surviving Barksdale Theatre owners.  Soon afterward, with the support of numerous philanthropic organizations, including the National Trust for Historic Preservation, an ambitious $5 million stabilization, restoration, and enhancement project began.  The Tavern reopened to the public in 2005, featuring exhibit space, a restaurant, 156-seat theater, and a gift shop.

Hanover Tavern Foundation, our partners, and volunteers are working together to further develop the Tavern as a gathering place for the community and an educational destination for school children as well as adults.  Hanover Tavern is a very unique cultural site fulfilling an impressive array of needs within the central Virginia community and the touring public.

For those in search of history, the National Registered 18th-century Tavern is a destination for tours, exhibits, and programs that present events and people that shaped the history of Virginia and our country.  Our theater has served the cultural needs of the community with live performances since 1953.  Virginia Repertory Theatre presents 3-4 performances each year.  Each run is about 6-8 weeks.  Families enjoy free programming and events such as “Hanover AutumnFest”, featuring a petting zoo, crafts, face painting, scavenger hunt, and a magic show.  Educational needs are met with programs designed specifically for adults, teachers, and students.  Our in-classroom programs reach thousands of students each year and our annual Standards of Learning-based 4th-grade field trip hosts nearly 3,000 central Virginia school children each spring.

Funding to maintain the building, provide family events, programming, and educational offerings at Hanover Tavern is always a challenge.  We depend on grants as well as the support of individuals, corporate sponsorships, and fundraising events to provide outstanding programs and educational experiences for our community.