Welcome to the Chenault-Weems Building, home of the Treasurer’s Office, Commissioner of the Revenue, Internal Audit and Finance and Management Services. But if you look a little deeper, you’ll find a lot more. This building has a story.

Lois B. Chenault served as Commissioner of the Revenue and is the only woman to serve as a Constitutional Officer in Hanover County.

“She had a deceptively sweet, soft voice and pretty platinum blonde hair and boy did she fool some of the people, because she was smart and tough,” said Anne Geddy Cross, friend of Ms. Chenault and guest curator of the “Leaders & Legacy: Women of Hanover” exhibit at the Hanover Museum of History & Culture.

Ms. Chenault began working in the Commissioner of the Revenue’s office in 1967 to help with the real estate reassessment. In 1969, she was appointed Deputy Commissioner of the Revenue and later became Commissioner of the Revenue in 1974.

“I'm very proud of my mother and all of her accomplishments,” said Lil Chenault, daughter of Mrs. Chenault. “Her story will be passed down from generation to generation.”

George M. Weems served as Treasurer for nearly 50 years, from 1935 until the time of his death in 1985.

“He always liked to know what the people wanted and what their choice was,” said Susan Archer Talley Weems-Leachman, daughter of Mr. Weems. “He helped many people, including myself.” 

The Chenault-Weems Building was dedicated on August 30, 2018. 

“When my mother was informed that the County wanted to name a building after her, she thought it was a joke,” Lil said. “My entire family was just shocked.”

“I think it’s a wonderful legacy to pass on,” Susan said. 

To learn more about Mrs. Chenault and Mr. Weems, visit the Hanover Museum of History & Culture Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.