August 31, 2024 marks the 100th anniversary of the Pump House last being actively used as Richmond's waterworks. To mark this occasion, Friends of Pump House will host a month of special events that celebrate the building's storied past and exciting future.
As part of the anniversary, the Friends of Pump House are embarking upon a major window restoration project this fall, which will see 30 of the Pump House’s windows restored to their original condition. Funding for this work was provided in part by a City grant through the Richmond Outdoor and Prosperity Fund, and a very generous gift from the Roller-Bottimore Foundation.
In addition, a $2.2 million stabilization and roof replacement project will begin next year. This project was made possible through a grant from the National Park Service’s Saving America’s Treasures program, which was submitted by the James River Park System, along with funding from the City of Richmond and Historic Richmond Foundation.
We invite the public to join us in this unique celebration of the Pump House and the volunteers and supporters who are working to save this historic treasure.
Schedule of Events
As part of the anniversary, the Friends of Pump House are embarking upon a major window restoration project this fall, which will see 30 of the Pump House’s windows restored to their original condition. Funding for this work was provided in part by a City grant through the Richmond Outdoor and Prosperity Fund, and a very generous gift from the Roller-Bottimore Foundation.
In addition, a $2.2 million stabilization and roof replacement project will begin next year. This project was made possible through a grant from the National Park Service’s Saving America’s Treasures program, which was submitted by the James River Park System, along with funding from the City of Richmond and Historic Richmond Foundation.
We invite the public to join us in this unique celebration of the Pump House and the volunteers and supporters who are working to save this historic treasure.
Schedule of Events
Tuesday, October 1st – Wilfred Emory Cutshaw, Engineer: Richmond’s One-Legged Visionary
6:30-7:30 p.m. - Maymont Westover Office, 1000 Westover Road, Richmond, VA
Engineer Wilfred Emory Cutshaw(1838-1907) changed the face of Richmond. We still enjoy his projects, which range from the Pump House and reservoir to Byrd Park, from Old City Hall to what is now the Black History Museum. Co-sponsored by Historic Richmond, this presentation will cover the life and times of Richmond’s longtime City Engineer, whose impact upon our city is still felt. Speakers Mimi Sadler and Camden Whitehead will focus on the Pump House as a typical Cutshaw project: a work of essential urban infrastructure that incorporates a compelling public amenity.
Tickets: $25
6:30-7:30 p.m. - Maymont Westover Office, 1000 Westover Road, Richmond, VA
Engineer Wilfred Emory Cutshaw(1838-1907) changed the face of Richmond. We still enjoy his projects, which range from the Pump House and reservoir to Byrd Park, from Old City Hall to what is now the Black History Museum. Co-sponsored by Historic Richmond, this presentation will cover the life and times of Richmond’s longtime City Engineer, whose impact upon our city is still felt. Speakers Mimi Sadler and Camden Whitehead will focus on the Pump House as a typical Cutshaw project: a work of essential urban infrastructure that incorporates a compelling public amenity.
Tickets: $25
Saturday, October 19th - Centennial Celebration Tours
1:00 – 4:00 p.m. - 1708 Pump House Drive
Be among the first people to see the newly restored windows on the building’s first floor! This event will feature extended tours of Pump House Park that will cover the history of both the building and the James River & Kanawha Canal. Please join us for light refreshments at the conclusion of each tour.
Free ($10 suggested donation)
1:00 – 4:00 p.m. - 1708 Pump House Drive
Be among the first people to see the newly restored windows on the building’s first floor! This event will feature extended tours of Pump House Park that will cover the history of both the building and the James River & Kanawha Canal. Please join us for light refreshments at the conclusion of each tour.
Free ($10 suggested donation)
Sunday, October 20th - Follow the Flow Bike Ride
10:30 a.m. – 1708 Pump House Drive
Join us for the first Follow the Flow bike ride, which will take you through Richmond’s history, highlighting the Pump House and the city’s water distribution system. Stops include the Byrd Park Reservoir, the Old Pump House, the grave of Wilford Emory Cutshaw, and more! Along the way, you’ll learn how water influenced community development and contributed to Richmond’s growth. The 10-mile ride starts at the Pump House is expected to last around two hours.
10:30 a.m. – 1708 Pump House Drive
Join us for the first Follow the Flow bike ride, which will take you through Richmond’s history, highlighting the Pump House and the city’s water distribution system. Stops include the Byrd Park Reservoir, the Old Pump House, the grave of Wilford Emory Cutshaw, and more! Along the way, you’ll learn how water influenced community development and contributed to Richmond’s growth. The 10-mile ride starts at the Pump House is expected to last around two hours.
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Friday, October 25th – Paranormal Investigation
6:00 p.m. & 9:00 p.m. – 1708 Pump House Drive Ever wondered how a paranormal investigation is conducted? Well, here's your chance! Our friends at Transcend Paranormal are offering a rare opportunity to join them as they investigate paranormal activity at the Pump House. In this event, you'll learn all about the tools and techniques used to detect otherworldly phenomena. SOLD OUT! |
Saturday, October 26th - Poe @ the Pump House
2:00, 3:00, 4:00, & 5:00 - 1708 Pump House Drive
Just in time for Halloween, Poe Museum curator Chris Semtner will return to the Pump House once again as Edgar Allan Poe and deliver dramatic readings of his most beloved works. Price of admission includes a historical tour of the building.
Tickets: $35
2:00, 3:00, 4:00, & 5:00 - 1708 Pump House Drive
Just in time for Halloween, Poe Museum curator Chris Semtner will return to the Pump House once again as Edgar Allan Poe and deliver dramatic readings of his most beloved works. Price of admission includes a historical tour of the building.
Tickets: $35