Virginia’s Eastern Shore has a population of over 45,400 with a wide range of diversity in age and ethnicity. We believe that our children and families deserve an opportunity to experience the arts and cultural performances. Over 30% of Shore children under age 17 live in poverty and who would benefit from free cultural experiences.

Our campus has welcomed over 10,000 guests a year to our facility and outdoor green spaces since the pandemic. Providing a safe, inviting outdoor venue for our community and the entire Eastern Shore will not only promote a healthy community but will also be a positive economic driver. This pavilion will become an integral part of growth in tourism for the Shore, attracting visitors, new residents and businesses.

The Pavilion provides Historic Onancock School with the revenue stream to allow for further improvements to both the physical building and the 14-acre outdoor space.

The Friends of Onancock School is a 501-c (3) non-profit dedicated to strengthening the economic and cultural vitality of the Eastern Shore’s diverse community through the rehabilitation of the Historic Onancock School and its adjoining campus. The Pavilion Campaign is the next step in a strategic plan to further develop our 14-acre campus.

The venue will bring a variety of performance arts to the Eastern Shore and will be made possible by the generous support of both corporate and individual donors.

The Pavilion enables us to expand our outreach to our local community as well as neighboring communities adjacent to the Eastern Shore. Free educational events and performances will be possible through sponsorships and grants, with matching funding from the Virginia Commission for the Arts (VCA), VA Humanities, the Levitt Foundation and VA Outdoors Foundation, among others.

The board of Historic Onancock School looks forward to collaborating with Eastern Shore organizations including:

• North Street Playhouse

• RCEC

• Ker Place

• Historic Cokesbury Church and Cultural Center

• Chamber of Commerce

• ESO

• Orchestra of the Eastern Shore

• Accomack CommUnity Band

HOS Pavilion Aims for 2025 Opening

The Board of Directors of Friends of Onancock School reports that construction on the HOS Performance Pavilion is progressing nicely, the steel superstructure and foundation work having been completed in March despite the wet weather. Future progress will depend on weather and delivery of supplies. The Performance Pavilion is the next step in a long-term strategic plan developed in 2009 to further develop our 14-acre campus in Onancock. We believe our children and families deserve an opportunity to experience the arts and cultural performances locally. When completed, the Pavilion will feature a 1500-square foot stage suitable for theater, dance, and musical productions. The Pavilion’s site takes advantage of a natural outdoor amphitheater with adequate space for audiences in a “bring your own chair,” festival-style seating.

The Pavilion is projected to open in Spring/Summer of 2025. For the initial season, HOS plans to offer a family friendly “Summer Music Series” featuring numerous musical genres, as well as outdoor movies, and theatrical performances. We intend to offer free and reduced-price events funded by donors, sponsors, and grants. We look forward to collaborating with other Eastern Shore organizations and local talent, several of which have already expressed interest in working with us, including:

• Eastern Shore’s Own Art Center (ESO)

• Roseland Cinema and Entertainment Center (RCEC)

• Onancock Business and Civic Association (OBCA)

• Fil Rhythm

• Orchestra of the Eastern Shore

• Accomack Community Band

• Johnny Mo Mallards Restaurants and Catering

• North Street Playhouse

If you would like to add your name to the rapidly growing list of future Pavilion performers, please contact us: (757) 302-1331 or info@historiconancockschool.org