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Bill

HR 2051

Commending Agecroft Hall.

2026, 1st Special Session Introduced by Betsy Carr and 6 co-sponsors

Virginia House resolution commends Agecroft Hall for its 100-year cultural, educational, and historic contributions as a staple public museum and community resource.

Bill text as passed House (HR2051ER)
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Bill Summary · HR 2051

Summary of Bill HR 2051 (2026 Session, Virginia)

Basic information

  • Type: House Resolution (commending)
  • Bill Number: HR 2051
  • Session: 2026 Special Session I
  • Jurisdiction: Virginia (House of Delegates)
  • Prefiled / Offered: April 23, 2026
  • Sponsors: Primary sponsor not listed; co-sponsor Betsy Carr is noted

Purpose and intent

  • The bill formally commends Agecroft Hall on the occasion of its 100th anniversary in the Commonwealth of Virginia (2026).
  • It acknowledges the historical significance, community role, and contributions of Agecroft Hall as a cultural and educational institution in Central Virginia.

Key provisions and changes

  • The resolution recognizes Agecroft Hall’s history and impact, including:

    • Its origins as a 16th-century Tudor manor house in Lancashire, England.
    • Its 1926 relocation to Richmond and reconstruction by Thomas C. Williams, Jr., and Elizabeth Williams, with a plan to create a “museum for the benefit of the people of Richmond.”
    • Opening as a public museum in July 1969, with 23 acres including English-style gardens designed in partnership with landscape architect Charles Gillette.
    • Listings on the Virginia Landmarks Register (July 18, 1978) and the National Register of Historic Places (December 13, 1978).
    • Educational and public programming, including school field trips, lectures, Renaissance music/dance demonstrations, Shakespeare performances, workshops, and family programming.
    • Free public events and community gatherings (e.g., Shakespeare’s birthday celebrations, yuletide events, concerts by the Richmond Concert Band).
    • Longstanding stewardship by the Agecroft Association.
    • A commitment to sustainability as a pioneer in the Commonwealth for using net-zero electricity via solar energy.
    • Notable features, including a ~200-year-old winged elm tree on the front lawn (second-largest of its kind in Virginia).
    • A history of welcoming more than a million visitors since opening as a museum.

  • The resolution expresses admiration and support for Agecroft Hall and directs the Clerk of the House of Delegates to prepare a copy of the resolution for presentation to the Agecroft Association.

Who or what would be affected

  • Agecroft Hall and its governing/associated organizations (notably the Agecroft Association) would receive formal recognition from the Virginia House of Delegates.
  • The broader impact is largely symbolic and ceremonial, highlighting the cultural, educational, and historic value of Agecroft Hall to the Commonwealth.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction/Prefile Date: April 23, 2026
  • Action History: Prefiled and laid on Speaker’s table; Offered on April 23, 2026
  • As a House Resolution, it is primarily a formal expression of recognition and does not create enforceable policy or funding obligations. It serves to publicly acknowledge and honor the historic site.

Observations

  • The bill emphasizes Agecroft Hall’s century-long presence in Virginia, its role as a public museum and educational resource, sustainability achievements, and cultural significance.
  • The accompanying sponsor information notes Betsy Carr as a co-sponsor.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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