The
original plantation known as Avenel was built
circa 1838 by William M. Burwell and his wife,
Frances Steptoe Burwell. Located
in the heart of the city of Bedford. Avenel has
been the centerpiece of social, cultural, and
political life for over 150 years. Avenel is listed
in the National Register of Historic Places and
the Virginia Landmarks Register.
In
1906, Avenel was purchased from the Burwell family
by J.W. Ballard. The home remained in the Ballard
family until 1985 when it was purchased by the
Avenel Foundation. The foundation is a non-profit
organization formed by a group of local businessmen
and women whose mission was to rescue, restore,
preserve and protect historic Avenel, a Bedford
legacy and to make this unique landmark available
for educational, social, business and other appropriate
community uses. Almost 200 years have and the
vision has remained. Avenel is one of Bedford's
crown jewels that continues to make history each
and every day. |
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