A part of Richmond’s past returns next weekend as the site of the former Richmond Community Hospital hosts a Community History Fair to commemorate its 90th anniversary. The event, set for Sunday, July 7, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., aims to celebrate the institution’s history and raise awareness about its uncertain future.

Located at 1209 Overbrook Road on the North Side, the historic hospital building opened its doors on July 4, 1934, marking a significant milestone in health care for Richmond’s African American community. The facility represented an expansion from its previous location at 406 E. Baker St.

The concept of a community hospital serving Richmond’s African-American population dates back to 1902, spearheaded by Dr. Sarah Garland Boyd Jones.

Through dedicated fundraising efforts, the larger Overbrook Road facility was constructed in 1932, opening to the public two years later.

Despite its historical significance, the building now faces an uncertain future under its current owner, Virginia Union University. The structure was recently included in Preservation Virginia’s 2024 List of Virginia’s Most Endangered Sites.

The fair seeks to engage the public about the building’s importance to Richmond’s history and advocate for its rehabilitation and reuse. Visitors can expect a “pop-up” museum exhibit, vintage automobiles, an ice cream vendor and giveaways of toys reminiscent of the 1930s.

This family-friendly event offers a unique opportunity to honor the visionaries who established this historic institution. As the building’s future hangs in the balance, organizers hope the fair will underscore the need to preserve this critical piece of Richmond’s heritage.