Mission and History

Founded in 1980, the Valdosta Heritage Foundation (VHF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit working to sustain historic preservation efforts within our community, helping to protect and promote Valdosta’s historic resources and diverse cultural heritage.

In 1999, Roberts descendants deeded the Wisenbaker Wells Roberts House (WWR), located at 206 Wells Street, to VHF with the duty to preserve, restore, and manage the home and grounds, almost 4.52 acres, including a Georgia Camellia Trail, for public enjoyment and education. After restoration of the house was nearly completed, a devastating fire gutted the residence in 2011. VHF voted to save the house and rebuilding slowly began.

VHF’s strategic goals include 1) finishing Valdosta’s oldest house into a Bed & Breakfast, which will be leased to an outside entity, ensuring the financial stability of the property and contributing to the revitalization of the downtown district; 2) assisting in actively utilizing places of historical significance, such as the WWR House, by providing learning opportunities for all age groups during and after the restoration process and increasing public awareness of the community’s development, 3) partnering with other organizations to realize the economic importance/impact of protecting and preserving sites and structures of historical and architectural significance, and 4) building partnerships with diverse audiences emphasizing the meaning of place and strengthening community.

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