HCTV Programs

Built between 1915 and 1918, the Armour House and Gardens at Meadowview Park is a sprawling 600-acre retreat boasting a scenic walking trail, tennis courts, children's play areas, gardens and a flowing fountain surrounded by arbors with blooming vines. Join HCTV as we document the rich Henrico history of the Victorian style home and Meadowview Park with rare photographs and interviews chronicling the property's intriguing past.

Highland Springs was founded in 1890 as one of Henrico's first suburbs. Named for its high elevation and natural springs, the little unincorporated town became a hub of activity and community spirit. Hear from residents and high school alumni as they tell the tales of how Highland Springs came to be the unique community it is today.

The Huguenot, Willey, Varina-Enon and Pocahontas Parkway bridges keep our communities connected, spur commerce and growth, and serve as icons or symbols of the county. These four modern marvels of engineering science serve as gateways to Henrico, and are vital to the 21st century transportation network that moves the county and the region.

When it opened its doors in 1938, the Henrico Theatre was described as a "big city temple of entertainment set in beautiful rural surroundings." A classic example of art-deco architecture, the theatre was the crown jewel of Highland Springs. After years of successes and changes of ownership, the Henrico Theatre closed its doorsÑ until Henrico County purchased the property in 1999. Join HCTV as we reveal the story behind the theatre, follow the extensive renovation process and learn how it has become a historic landmark in the county.

The Elko tract in eastern Henrico County is a place where you can't always believe what you see. It's also a place of purpose, reinvention and promise. What remains today has been called a "lost city," and much has been speculated about its past. The Elko name marks a middle school and a community center, and with land for further development, the tract remains a vital part of Henrico's plan for the future. Join HCTV as we explore the mysteries and misunderstandings of the Elko Files.

The history of Dutch Gap and the people who lived there spans four centuries of conflict and confusion. The Dutch Gap canal, located on the James River near the 17th-century Citie of Henricus, was originally constructed during the Civil War to shortcut the seven-mile loop around Farrar's Island. Join HCTV as we learn about Dutch Gap, how it got its name, and the many wars and battles fought throughout its history.

Coal has been used as an energy source worldwide for thousands of years. In the United States, the coal industry originated on the banks of the James River and mines right here in Henrico County. Join HCTV as we document the industry's rise and fall, and see what remains today of Henrico's often overlooked coal history.

The arched cellar entrance of David Yuengling Junior's once mighty James River Steam Brewery is a portal to an amazing tale that lies buried in a Rocketts Landing hillside, nearly forgotten for a century. The mysterious facade bears no trace of the famous name or the tumultuous times during which an American staple, lager beer, was produced on a massive scale right here in Henrico County. Join HCTV for a journey into the cellars and back in time.

Is it simply folklore, or is it paranormal? Imagination, or science? Most of us have heard ghost stories throughout our lives, and we love to be intrigued and even scared by the tales of mystical spirits among us. HenricoÕs history goes back centuries, and many colorful characters have passed through the county leaving their legacies behind Ñ but did they leave? Walkerton, Dabbs House and Meadow Farm are three of the countyÕs historic properties dating back to the early 1800s, all of them having their fair share of ghost stories and reported sightings. Join HCTV as we explore the phenomenon in Haunted Henrico: Are Ghosts Dwelling in Historic County Properties?

The mighty James flows through Henrico County like a great provider of wealth and opportunity. Early settlers in the new world saw that shipping goods and services along its waterways would be beneficial. This is a story of triumph and tragedies as we look at historic Henrico experiences along the James River and Kanawha Canal.

On the brightest of days, sunlight finds a way to cut through the canopies of mature trees at East End Cemetery in Henrico County. Don't be misled by the heavy undergrowth and tangles of vines Ñ this is sacred ground, the final resting place for thousands of African-Americans from the turn of the 20th century. Join HCTV as we gain insight into the cemetery's rich cultural history, and learn how the land is slowly being reclaimed by volunteers determined to uncover East End's secrets.

The story of Henrico's historic churches began in 1611 when Sir Thomas Dale established a settlement on the edge of the western frontier. From those early days at Henricus to today's ever-changing communities, historic churches are the windows to our past. Join HCTV as we explore the culture, heritage, and architecture of these celebrated places of worship.

Gravel Hill sits tucked away in eastern Henrico County, bearing only humble monuments to its extraordinary history. Among the rustic surroundings are a scattering of modest homes, a small church and an old school building. The community dates back to 1771, and has persevered against the odds due to grit, determination, self-reliance and pride. Join HCTV as we tell this remarkable story of one of the first African-American communities in the nation.

Thomas Jefferson's dream was to build a home in the mountains of Virginia. Throughout the years, his many experiences gave him a wealth of knowledge to make this dream come true. Monticello not only reflects Jefferson's many interests, but also embodies the spirit of all the people who lived and worked to make this home one of the most famous man-made wonders of Virginia.

Long before Henrico's modern administration and courts complex was built on Parham Road, the center of county government was nestled on a little island in the City of Richmond. Join HCTV as we chronicle more than two and a half centuries since the first Henrico courthouse was built at 22nd and Main, the controversy surrounding the ownership of the property, the gradual relocation of county operations and the ultimate fate of the Victorian marvel that still rests there today.

The Mercer Hugh Cosby Farm, located in western Henrico County, has been part of one familyÕs story for five generations. Significant for its ownership by one African-American family dating back to the late 1800s, Mercer Hugh Cosby built the farmhouse in the 1880s on 52-acres. Today, the Cosby farm teems with cornstalks and other crops Ñ and it gives barely notice to the suburban development thatÕs sprung up nearby. Join HCTV as we learn more about this family of farmers, educators and preservationist and its notable place in HenricoÕs history.

Henrico's historic Dabbs House has been restored and is now open to the public for an inside look at this significant national landmark. The structure has been used for many diverse purposes through its lifetime, including an antebellum farmhouse, Confederate General Robert E. Lee's headquarters, an alms house, Henrico police headquarters and an office building. Visitors will learn fascinating stories about the Dabbs House, and discover why it has stood the test of time.

The history of the rolling fields and grassy pastures of Meadow Farm is a story of land and people. It stretches over seven generations of the Sheppard family, tracing back to Virginia's earliest days and beyond. Land that was once inhabited by the Monacan Indians has been host to a thriving agricultural farm, an unsuccessful slave revolt by Gabriel Prosser, the doorstep to a 13 mile long Union march to the battle of Yellow Tavern, and eventually a generous gift by the Crump family as a historical museum and park to the residents of Henrico County.