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Federation House Restoration Project

Our Federation House added to the list of
Most Endangered Historic Places

Each May — National Historic Preservation Month — Preservation Virginia releases a list of historic places across the Commonwealth facing imminent or sustained threats. The list, which has brought attention to 170 sites in Virginia, encourages individuals, organizations, and local and state governments to advocate for their preservation and find solutions that will save these unique locations for future generations. The program has a track record of success. Only 10% of the sites listed so far were lost to demolition or neglect.

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  BPF RenovationsFeb2017
  BPF RenovationsFeb2017 2
 

Photos courtesy of Dr. Colita N. Fairfax
(Click to enlarge)

Adjacent are pictures showing the renovations to the Federation House.

We had an angel investor for our project (which we will have to pay back), so with this investment and a grant we were able to secure from city of Hampton, we are able to make these exterior renovations.

Our next task will be tackling renovations inside the house.

Volunteer opportunities are available with the Foundation. We're in need of contractors, landscapers, painters, drywall installers, kitchen appliances, office equipment, and a house alarm system. hardwood buffers, and house cleaners.

If you'd like to provide a monetary donation to help with this important work, please click on the button below, or throughout this website by choosing "Donate" in the menu on top of the page.

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The Barrett-Peake group working on a museum and gathering place

An edition of "Round Robin" - presented by the City of Hampton

"Dr. Mary T. Christian and Dr. Colita Fairfax are heading up an effort to turn the Hampton home of the Virginia Federation of Colored Women's Clubs into a museum and community gathering place. "

"And that's not all the Barrett-Peake Heritage Foundation is planning..."

Stories

Honoring women who mothered Hampton's children: The legacy of Mary S. Peake and Janie Porter Barrett

By Denise M. Watson - The Virginian-Pilot
May 7, 2016

The boarded-up house at East Pembroke Avenue and Eaton Street in Hampton is the roomy dream any mom would love, especially Janie Porter Barrett.

Before Barrett died in 1948, the social reformer would likely have filled its three stories and wrap-around porch with children to teach to read. To teach them how to pray, how to hold themselves with a pride that she knew from experience they would need.

The house is quiet now, rust-streaked and dark, in need of a loving touch like Barrett’s.

Two Hampton women have formed a foundation to restore the home in the name of two historic women who lived in different eras but had the same purpose of mothering Hampton’s lost children.

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