Historic Perspectives and Rural Revitalization Take Center Stage at 2025 Governor’s Summit on Rural Prosperity in Hanover

Hanover, VA — Breathing new life into the places that shaped Virginia’s past — especially as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary — can spark cultural vibrancy, strengthen community identity and unlock powerful economic opportunities for rural communities.

That vision took center stage on Oct. 29 when the Virginia Rural Center brought together leaders from across the Commonwealth for the 2025 Governor’s Summit on Rural Prosperity in Hanover County.

“Revitalizing historic buildings isn’t just about preserving bricks and mortar — it’s about restoring the heart of our rural communities,” said Kristie Proctor, Executive Director of the Virginia Rural Center. “When we honor our heritage and reinvest in the places that define us, we create powerful momentum for economic growth, tourism and a stronger sense of belonging. Rural Virginia has an extraordinary opportunity to lead the way.”

Governor Glenn Youngkin keynoted the Summit which was also attended by multiple members of his cabinet. Dozens of state and local leaders, legislators, business executives and community partners were among the several hundred attendees at this year’s event, representing 53 counties and 21 cities from across the Commonwealth.

The Summit featured two standout discussions: one exploring the significance of Virginia’s role in the founding of the nation, and another examining how historic preservation can drive rural economic development.

“When people think of rural Virginia, the first thing that often comes to mind is agriculture — and while that’s a cornerstone of rural communities across the Commonwealth, history and tourism also play a vital role in economic development and in strengthening rural Virginia,” Proctor said. “That’s why it was so important for us to elevate this conversation and include it as part of our programming this year.”

With the national Semiquincentennial approaching in 2026, a Summit session on “Celebrating 250 Years of America in Virginia” provided an in-depth look at the Commonwealth’s leadership in marking the milestone. The conversation took place in the historic Hanover Courthouse, built in 1735 and still serving the public today. The building is among the nation’s oldest functioning courthouses and is best known as the location where a young Patrick Henry argued the famed Parsons’ Case in 1763.

The historic courthouse setting reinforced one of the session’s key messages: while Virginia played a defining role in America’s founding, national awareness of the anniversary remains surprisingly low. Recent data indicates that nearly 70% of Americans do not know that a 250th anniversary is happening.

With that in mind, speakers encouraged localities to make sure that there is an education and awareness component leading up to the celebration, one that is honoring one of the most exceptional moments in our nation’s history.

Participants also emphasized that the anniversary represents an unparalleled opportunity for communities across Virginia — particularly rural towns and counties rich in history — to welcome visitors, support local storytelling, and boost tourism.

To support these efforts, the Virginia Tourism Corporation’s Staci Martin explained how the organization’s VA250 Tourism Marketing Program grants help communities develop programming, interpretive materials, events, signage and coordinated marketing campaigns connected to the 250th celebration. The program also encourages regional collaboration, allowing rural communities to pool resources and strengthen shared tourism assets.

More information on available grants and application cycles is available at https://va250.org/grants/.

The Summit’s “Brick by Brick: Revitalizing Historic Buildings into Rural Assets” session addressed how rural communities across Virginia are restoring historic structures to stimulate economic development and civic pride.

Take, for instance, the transformation of Danville’s River District, highlighted by Rick Barker. Once marked by neglected tobacco warehouses and factory buildings, the area has since been restored into a vibrant commercial and residential district, home to restaurants, shops, housing, public art and renewed pedestrian life. Barker shared how his work relied on long-term investment strategies, collaboration with the community and the strategic use of historic tax credits to help reduce financing barriers.

Since Barker revitalized the first property in the district, nearly half a billion dollars has been spent in the area and more than 800 apartments have been built within walking distance.

“When we save significant architecture, we save all of the stories and the history that goes with it,” Barker said. “In addition to getting a return on investment, we get a return on emotion.”

Historic revitalization is not just possible and economically viable, he said, but it’s also deeply powerful when approached patiently and collaboratively. Even modest-scale historic buildings in small towns can be turned into catalysts for main street revival when communities have the tools and partners they need.

A video showcasing Barker’s revitalization work on the 500 block of Craghead in Danville’s River District was also shared during the session, offering a visual look at the community’s transformation. The video is available on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6g0tLhJ0T9Y.

“Our history is not just something to look back at, it’s something we can build on in every corner of the Commonwealth,” Proctor said. “This year’s timely Summit showcased how Virginia’s rural communities are shaping their own future by elevating what makes them unique.”

In addition to the featured sessions, the Summit offered a full slate of discussions that highlighted the breadth of opportunity in rural Virginia. A breakout session on “Innovations and Investment: Building Vibrant Rural Economies” examined major trends shaping rural economic development, while a “Mapping Rural Virginia: Turning Data Into Rural Progress” breakout provided insights into demographic shifts, housing needs and the Virginia Rural Center’s new Rural Virginia Opportunity Dashboard.

Attendees also heard from leaders shaping the future of rural work and enterprise during the panel on The Next Generation of Industry in Rural Communities. The day concluded with a presentation from the Virginia Rural Leadership Institute Class of 2025, whose cohort shared their capstone work and perspectives on advancing rural prosperity across the Commonwealth.

About The Senator Frank M. Ruff, Jr. Center for Rural Virginia: The Virginia Rural Center is a collaborative partnership of The Senator Frank M. Ruff, Jr. Center for Rural Virginia and the Council for Rural Virginia. Together, these two organizations work with federal, state and local policymakers as well as business leaders to grow economic opportunities and preserve the quality of life throughout rural Virginia. To learn more visit cfrv.org.