News Summary
The iconic busts of former U.S. presidents are set for revival at a new attraction named The Ruines at Hankins Folly in Williamsburg, Virginia. Scheduled to reopen in 2026, the project will feature interactive experiences that engage visitors with these monumental sculptures. Initially sculpted by David Adickes, the busts were once part of Presidents Park, which closed in 2010. Plans for restoration and security enhancements are underway as a crowdfunding campaign is also in progress to make the busts publicly accessible again.
Williamsburg Triumphs with Revival of Presidential Busts
The iconic busts of former U.S. presidents, formerly on display at Presidents Park in Williamsburg, Virginia, are set for a revival as part of a new attraction named The Ruines at Hankins Folly. The reopening is aimed for July 2026 and will feature an interactive experience that reintroduces these monumental sculptures to the public.
Initially sculpted by Houston artist David Adickes, the busts were created after he was inspired by his visit to Mount Rushmore. Adickes aimed to capture the visibility of the presidents’ eyes in his work, leading to the crafting of 42 busts based on a historian survey evaluating the effectiveness of U.S. presidents. Among these, eight presidents deemed “great” were created one foot taller than those considered average.
The development of Presidents Park was financed by entrepreneur Everette H. “Haley” Newman II, costing roughly $10 million. The park opened in 2004, showcasing the busts until its closure in 2010 due to financial difficulties stemming from the 2008 recession.
Transition to Private Property
After the park’s closure, Howard Hankins faced the challenge of housing the heavy busts, each weighing up to 20,000 pounds. Instead of destroying them, Hankins relocated the busts to his private family farm, a task that took nearly a week to complete. Although transporting the sculptures caused some damage to their backs, their eyes remained intact, and they have since been hidden from public view on private property.
Despite the busts being off-limits to the public, a crowdfunding campaign is currently in progress to move them to a publicly accessible location. Meanwhile, local photographer John Plashal has been given authorization to conduct occasional tours to the busts, and information about these visits is shared on his website.
Future Plans for Restoration
Plans are underway to partially restore the busts, with the intention of integrating them into the upcoming President’s Walk attraction. This endeavor aims to utilize technology, allowing visitors to interact with the sculptures through QR codes and audio experiences that highlight each president’s accomplishments and personal narratives.
In addition, there are plans to create busts of presidents who have taken office since George W. Bush to expand the collection and enrich visitor experience. However, before any developments can proceed, they must navigate the planning and zoning process in James City County.
Security Enhancements
In anticipation of the project, Hankins’ property has recently undergone updates to enhance security measures, including installing additional cameras to ensure the safety of the busts during the restoration process.
Historical Context
These presidential busts were part of a distinguished artistic initiative, originating from Adickes’ initial commission in 1994 to create a massive statue of Sam Houston. The project transitioned from its initial grand hopes into a struggle for viability, ultimately finding a new path towards revival. “All the Presidents’ Heads,” a short documentary, chronicles Hankins’ commitment to restoring and reintroducing these sculptures to the public.
By reopening the busts to the public in The Ruines at Hankins Folly, a new chapter in the legacy of these statues is set to unfold. Visitors can look forward to an engaging experience that ties together art, history, and interactive technology.
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Additional Resources
- Atlas Obscura: President Heads
- WTKR: Williamsburg’s Famed President Heads
- Texas Monthly: David Adickes and the Presidential Busts
- Wikipedia: Presidents Park
- CBS News: James Monroe Virginia Estate

Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER
The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.