Tappahannock, VA – The DAW Theatre, a cherished landmark in the heart of Tappahannock, has officially been listed on the National Register of Historic Places, a prestigious designation recognizing its historical and architectural significance.
Built in 1938-39 and restored following a devastating fire in 1949, the DAW Theatre stands as a rare surviving example of a pre-World War II entertainment venue in Virginia’s rural Tidewater region. Designed by renowned Virginia architect Edward F. Sinnott, the theater is an elegant expression of the Colonial Revival style, seamlessly blending into the historic fabric of Tappahannock’s downtown.
Sinnott was a prolific architect known for his work on theaters, schools, and civic buildings throughout Virginia. His designs were highly regarded for their attention to detail and their ability to reflect both local history and modern functionality. The DAW Theatre is a testament to his ability to adapt traditional styles for contemporary entertainment spaces. His work also extended to designing several Black theaters, reflecting his engagement in shaping entertainment venues that served diverse audiences during an era of segregation.
The DAW Theatre played a central role in the community’s cultural life for over six decades, offering both film and live performances to the region. While racial segregation was a reality in Virginia at the time, the DAW was one of the few theaters in the area that provided access to both Black and white audiences, albeit in a segregated manner. Black patrons were admitted through a separate entrance and seated in the balcony, reflecting the racial divides of the era while still ensuring that entertainment was accessible to the entire community. Notably, efforts were made to accommodate Black audiences for popular films, such as the 1944 screening of Stormy Weather, which featured an all-Black cast and was shown with reserved seating to ensure fair access.
“This recognition is a major milestone in preserving the history and legacy of the DAW Theatre,” said Dana Bartholomew, president of the DAW Foundation. “The theater holds a special place in the hearts of many residents, and this designation ensures its story—including both its architectural significance and its complex social history—is honored for generations to come.”
As the only commercial building in Essex County with a historic designation, the DAW Theatre’s restoration is expected to have a significant positive impact on the local community. Revitalizing this iconic landmark will stimulate economic growth, attract tourism, and provide a versatile space for cultural events, benefiting residents and visitors alike. The project aims to create a vibrant hub for entertainment, education, and community engagement, further enriching the cultural heritage of Essex County.
The DAW Foundation has been hard at work on efforts to restore the DAW Theatre to its former glory while incorporating modern technologies to allow the theater to be a multi-purpose space for performances and events in addition to films, reinforcing its status as a community landmark. The listing on the National Register of Historic Places was an important step in these efforts and highlights the building’s architectural importance and its role in shaping the social and cultural fabric of Tappahannock.
For more information about the DAW Theatre and upcoming preservation efforts, please contact the DAW Foundation at info@thedawfoundation.org.
