Fort Monroe, Va.—The Fort Monroe Authority and the National Park Service are joining forces with the Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce to host the first ever “State of the Fort” presentation at Fort Monroe in Hampton, Virginia on June 16. The event will highlight the adaptive reuse of the historic properties as well as the growing success of the preservation and cultural interpretation programs. With municipal services provided by the City of Hampton, Fort Monroe has become a regional economic contributor for business, housing, outdoor enthusiast, and tourist.
The program includes a two-hour walking tour of the property that begins at 1 PM. The Walking Tour will direct visitors to specific historic sites as well as new adaptive reuse projects. Docents at each site will provide information on these “behind-the-scenes” locations that are typically not open to the public.
The Fort Monroe Authority is revitalizing the historic property for both its economic value as well as the important historical narrative to our country. Recognized both nationally and internationally for its unique historical value, Fort Monroe is rising in importance as a new educational venue and a national tourist destination location.
From 3:00 PM until 3:30 PM, guests are invited to gather in the plaza at the Fort Monroe Post Theater for refreshments and networking prior to the formal meeting.
The 3:30 PM meeting in the Post Theater will feature an overview of the national and international historic context of this coastal property on the Chesapeake Bay. Inhabited by American Indians for thousands of years, the former home to the US Army for 200 years, and finally recognized by former President Barack Obama as a National Monument, the storied history of this property is now our generational responsibility to preserve and protect.
The meeting will also feature updates on significant projects such as the $45 million adaptive reuse of the Old Point Comfort Marina, $20 million investments in utility and road improvement projects, and the $6 million investment in the African Landing Memorial. The description of these projects will immerse participants in a comprehensive overview of the adaptive reuse of Fort Monroe.
These as well as other investments have been studied by economist Bob McNab from the Old Dominion University Dragas Center to determine the economic impact on the Hampton Roads economy. The results of his research and evaluation will be presented for the first time at this meeting.
Finally, a panel discussion with representatives from the Fort Monroe Authority, the National Park Service, the City of Hampton, and Bob McNab, will allow participants to enjoy a question-and-answer period regarding the future of Fort Monroe exploring the nexus between nature, history, and tourism as we approach the America 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution.
Visit the VPC website and register today to learn more about the past, present, and future of Fort Monroe.
The walking tours and the afternoon presentations will begin and end at the Fort Monroe Post Theater on 42 Tidball Road.
ABOUT THE VIRGINIA PENINSULA CHAMBER:
The Virginia Peninsula Chamber (VPC) serves the Cities of Newport News, Hampton and Poquoson; and James City County and York County.
VPC is a business association, with over 1000 members and associates, which "Connects Business with Opportunity" through Facilitation, Advocacy, Communication and Education.
The VPC takes a leadership and advocacy position on pro-Peninsula and pro-business public policy impacting the Virginia Peninsula business community. The VPC hosts a series of educational, and leadership programs, including the annual State of the City Series; the Peninsula Executive Leadership Forum; Military Job Fair; Pink Bag Lunches; and Business Connections, in addition to numerous business roundtables.
The VPC is located at 21 Enterprise Parkway, Suite 100 in Hampton. For more information, call 757.262.2000 or email info@vpcc.org.
Connect to the Virginia Peninsula Chamber online at www.vapeninsulachamber.com and via LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Google+.
###