In 1985, the Henricus Foundation was created with the goal of developing the site as a colonial living history museum to promote the rich history from 1611-1622, along with important Revolutionary War and Civil War history. In 1987, the Henricus Foundation was granted 501(c)(3) status.
The mission of the Henricus Foundation has been providing educational, cultural and recreational opportunities through preservation, reconstruction and interpretation of early Virginia history. The Henricus Foundation role is to generate public interest in and to preserve, promote, and conduct historical, interpretive research and educational activities related to the site of the Citie of Henricus for the common good.