The Harwood House and associated historical sites within the city of Newport News (Endview Plantation, Lee Hall Mansion, Warwick Courthouse, Lee Hall Depot, The Newsome Square complex, the James Fields House and Virginia War Museum) are engaging, interactive venues where people may explore and learn about the past.  With diverse audiences and Newport News’ unique heritage at its core, these sites are an educational leader in the history community and as well as heritage tourism sites in Virginia.

In pursuit of its mission, the One City Historical Foundation seeks to:
• Utilize The Harwood House for historic and educational purposes that foster an appreciation of history to enrich public understanding of past and present.
• Highlight the crucial period of the city’s development at the turn of the 19th century engendered by the arrival of rail service, establishment of the port and shipyard and subsequent transition from an agrarian to an industrial community.
• ​Present exhibitions that use historical materials to enrich the public’s understanding and appreciation of Newport News, its associated businesses, communities and citizens.

• Serve as a central repository for collections pertaining to Newport News and Warwick County history.
• Function as an umbrella institution to coalesce interest in all of the city’s sites by supporting entities associated with history, preservation and education.
• Respond to the community’s needs to explore and examine issues critical to its past and application to contemporary life by providing programming, tours and events that present these stories.
• Provide support to historic preservation initiatives in Hampton Roads.
• ​Assist in the research of other historic homes, structures or sites to encourage their preservation.

• Showcase preservation activities in the restoration of historic properties.
• Provide a historic landmark as a starting point for walking tours of the historic North End and encourage similar activities elsewhere in the community that foster historic awareness and heritage tourism.
• Promote pride in both individual and community heritage by recognizing the value of distinctive American neighborhoods.
• Provide space for meetings and programs of the North End Huntington Heights Preservation Association, the North End Huntington Heights Architectural Review Board and other organizations.
• ​Assist with the full restoration of the historic Harwood House to include maintaining several period rooms with their furnishings.

Photos this page courtesy of ​Judith Lowery, Daily Press