Phoebus and Fort Monroe are communities with extraordinary assets. Their intertwined histories offer a fascinating insight into the region, encompassing the experiences of Indigenous, European, and African peoples over the succeeding centuries as well as the development of the U.S. military. Over the past few years, the Phoebus Partnership, the Fort Monroe Authority, and the City of Hampton have worked informally to capture the rich history and deep ties to the Chesapeake Bay while engaging the people and organizations dedicated to keeping them vibrant.
Phoebus Partnership, Fort Monroe Authority, City of Hampton, and the National Park Service all work on preservation, economic vitality, cultural tourism, and environmental stewardship. Each group does important work individually. However, these groups wondered if closer collaboration and a more intentional partnership could help advance shared goals, support residents, businesses, and visitors while honoring the unique history and environment of this place.
One possibility is forming a Coalition. The Coalition would not replace existing efforts but instead strengthen them by building stronger relationships, aligning resources, and responding more effectively to community needs in Phoebus and Fort Monroe.
Your perspective and insights, along with others, will help shape whether a Coalition is the right path forward, and if so, what it should look like.
There are no right or wrong answers.
Upcoming Community Conversation events will help us better understand:
What is working well in Phoebus and Fort Monroe
Your experience with the Fort Monroe Authority and the Phoebus Partnership
Where you see gaps or opportunities for stronger collaboration and communication
A huge thanks to everyone who joined us for the second Together for Tomorrow: Community Conversation event on March 19th at the Fort Monroe Community Center. Your feedback will help inform the next phase of our visioning work. Special thanks to community partners: Phoebus Public Library, The Contraband Historical Society, Fort Monroe Authority and Youth Sailing Virginia who helped make the event even more informative and The Grey Goose and STUFT Restaurant & Food Truck for catering. Click the image below to view the slide show from the event.
We witnessed a great turnout at the January 23rd Community Conversation event at St. Mary's Star of the Sea School in Phoebus. Click the image below to view the slide show that was presented. We hope you follow along us as we cotinue this visioning work!
Have questions about the future Phoebus - Fort Monroe Coalition?
Contact us at: hello@phobeusfortmonroe.org
This effort was funded by a Chesapeake Gateways Grant, which supports communities connected to the Chesapeake Bay and its rivers, parks, and cultural resources. Gateway Communities are places linked to important natural and cultural landscapes. In Virginia, this includes communities shaped by the Chesapeake Bay watershed. These places— like Phoebus and Fort Monroe — connect history, culture, and the Bay itself, building resiliency through tourism, local initiatives, and shared identity.