About the Hillsboro Community Association (HCA)

History of the Hillsboro Community Association

Founded in 1976 by a concerned group of residents, the Hillsboro Community Association had the sole purpose of saving the Old Stone School, formerly the Locust Grove Academy, from destruction. Rather than tear down the building, Loudoun County agreed to lease the building to the Hillsboro Community Association in exchange for the restoration and maintenance of the inside of the school. The school would then be used for community-based activities, and rented for other events, such as meetings, weddings and receptions, theatrical productions, birthday parties, dances, classes, craft fairs, antique shows and flea markets, yard sales, and reunions. The Old Stone School is the only historic public school in Loudoun County still maintained by a private, not-for-profit organization. All others are referred to as community centers and are run by Loudoun County Parks and Recreation.

The driving forces behind the founding of the Hillsboro Community Association were Louise James and Ernie Ritchie. A plaque recognizing Louise's vision to have The Old Stone School become the "hub of the community" hangs in the lounge. They were assisted in this project by residents including Evelyn Turbeville, Glenn Roberts, Betty Reynolds, Belle Ware, Emily Barbee, Lina Burton, and Barbara Tulip (for whom the upper west school room is dedicated).

Why did so many people in Hillsboro want to save the school? Many of the older residents of Hillsboro who formed the Hillsboro Community Association had either attended school at Locust Grove Academy or taught there, and it remained dear to their hearts.

When the HCA was formed, funds were minimal and restorative work was undertaken by members who donated their time, talents, materials and efforts to maintaining the grounds, heating and air conditioning, painting, carpentry, window treatments, etc., until the combination of the type of work necessary and availability of funds made it possible to hire professionals. Over the past 34 years, the HCA has accomplished a great deal to restore and maintain the Old Stone School. Funds for the restoration have been raised by members through such efforts as the "Christmas in Hillsboro, Va." Homes Tour, craft fairs, membership drives, memorial donations, concert series, rentals, and autumn festivals. See photos of our events!

The Hillsboro Community Association continues its work to raise the funds to maintain this majestic school, which welcomes residents, visitors and tourists as they pass through Hillsboro on Route 9 from the east and west. We are grateful to those early visionaries who paved the way for all of us to enjoy the Old Stone School today and always. See a timeline of significant events at the Old Stone School.

Membership fees are $15 per year. The Hillsboro Community Association meets the last Thursday of each month (except December) at the Old Stone School at 7:30 p.m. All are welcome. Find out how to become a Friend of the Old Stone School by joining or making a donation to the HCA today!