Built by this Community.
Run by this Community.

WMCACC has served Powhatan for over 75 years as a gathering place for neighbors, artists, veterans, and families.

Our mission is threefold — to honor veterans, to bring the arts to life, and to give Powhatan a place to call its own.

For Veterans and Active Duty

Provide respectful recognition for our community's veterans and those currently serving in all the armed forces.

For the Cultural Arts

Provide opportunities for creative community involvement, while seeking to produce quality entertainment through various forms of the cultural arts.

Provide a quality facility for activities that enrich, support, and enhance a sense of community.

For the Community of Powhatan

The History of the Center

  • 1940: A Vision Begins

    Local leaders propose a citizen-funded community center and National Guard armory for Powhatan County.

  • 1945-1949: The Community Rallies

    Following World War II, residents organize fundraising efforts to bring the project to life.

  • November 1949: A Home is Chosen

    Powhatan County approves an 18-acre site on Skaggs Road for the new community center.

  • December 1949

    Ground is broken on what would become the Powhatan War Memorial.

  • 1950: Built by the Community

    Residents, local businesses, Virginia, and the National Guard contribute funds to make the project possible.

  • Memorial Day 1950: A Community Celebration

    The building is dedicated with speeches, music, baseball, and dancing during an all-day celebration.

  • 1952: The Doors Open

    Construction is completed, creating a gymnasium, meeting rooms, offices, kitchen, and community gathering spaces.

  • 1950s-1960s: The Heart of Powhatan

    The War Memorial hosts basketball games, proms, dances, dinners, civic meetings, and countless community events.

  • 1950-1970: Community Leadership

    The War Memorial Association manages and operates the facility for the people of Powhatan.

  • 1970-1981: A New Steward

    The Masonic Lodge assumes operation of the building while continuing its community mission.

  • 1981: National Guard Partnership

    Ownership transfers to the Virginia Army National Guard, which maintains the building for nearly four decades.

  • 2014: A New Chapter

    The War Memorial Cultural Arts & Community Center purchases the building and begins a major restoration effort.

  • Today: Serving the Community

    WMCACC continues its mission by providing a home for arts, education, events, veterans recognition, and community connection for future generations.

Leadership

  • Ruth Boatwright

    FOUNDER & PRESIDENT

  • Tom Ashmore

    INTERIM PRESIDENT

  • Juanita Adams

    SECRETARY

  • David Bradley

    TREASURER

  • Wendy Goodwyn

    BOARD MEMBER

  • Carol Gregg

    BOARD MEMBER

  • Gerald Hagen

    BOARD MEMBER
    CPA ACCOUNTANT

  • Gary Jenkins

    BOARD MEMBER
    OUTSIDE FACILITY MANAGER

  • Moira Krier

    BOARD MEMBER
    CO-CHAIR COMMUNICATIONS & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

  • Betsy Lewis

    BOARD MEMBER

  • Susan Lloyd

    BOARD MEMBER
    CO-CHAIR COMMUNICATIONS & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

  • Cameron Paige

    BOARD MEMBER
    EVENT COORDINATOR

  • Jackob Paige

    BOARD MEMBER

  • John Moody

    BOARD MEMBER

  • Linda Stokes

    BOARD MEMBER

  • Mary Webster

    BOARD MEMBER

Our Partners

We’re always looking to partner with more local organizations in Powhatan and the greater Richmond area.

Reach out to us at info@WMCACC.org to learn more