The Shiloh Lodge is strategically located in Historic City Point at the intersection of “Main Street” (later changed to Prince Henry St) and the path to steps down to the waterfront docks. Originally believed to have been a Tavern, and later, during Grant’s occupation, the Shiloh Lodge site housed the Christian Commission (maps to follow). The 1921 Sanborn maps (next page) document the African American community established in this area, including City Point Public School (Colored) and 1st Baptist Church (Colored). There are also noted “Negro Shacks” along the bluff to the river and Church Street. The city is seeking a grant to restore the lodge to its original state.

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Downtown Hopewell wants to celebrate Valentine's Day with you! Surprise a special someone in your life with a personalized heart sign in Downtown Hopewell! Your message will be handcrafted onto a heart, and hung from a flagpole, storefront or streetlamp on the 200 block of E Broadway, on Appomattox St or on N Main St for one week. Purchase your heart and submit your message here!

ABOUT THE PROJECT: Every year, the Hopewell Downtown Partnership collaborates with a local organization to bring love into the streets, promote Downtown and support local business owners who are hosting Valentine's Day events.

ARTIST: This year, we are thrilled to partner with Morgan Hardy, a talented young artist and graduate of Lamb Arts Changemakers program here in Hopewell.

MESSAGES: Must be no more than 30 characters, please! Examples: Joe loves Jill", "Love from Girl Scout Troop 123", "Jane loves Fido", or "Marry me, Susan?"

DISPLAY TIME & PICK-UP: Hearts will be on display beginning February 12th and will remain up for one week until the 19th. Please plan to pick up your heart from the Hopewell Downtown Partnership office (106 N Main St - a few doors down from the John Randolph Foundation) in Downtown Hopewell beginning on the 20th.

MATERIALS: Wooden heart cutouts by Woodpecker painted Valentine's Day colors. 18'' tall and 1/4" thick. **Hearts in photos are from 2021 and 2022. HDP uses different materials every year. Hearts in main image are from 2023.

PROCEEDS: Covers material costs and goes to the artist.

If you have any questions about "Have a Heart Downtown", please email heather@hopewelldowntown.com. Scan the QR code above for more information.