OCAAHS recently visited the historic Bethel Baptist Church to give a presentation on the history of this important church. The presentation involved Dr. Edna Lewis, the history of the former Freetwon community, the incredible Isabella Lightfoot Training School which all sprung from this rich and free black community following the Civil War, giving a unique community oriented support system from which Dr. Edna Lewis and many others thrived from. Freetown community members began organizing in 1890 towards this church which gave it's first service in 1892. The church's current members worship in the same building from 1891. This was within the Freetown community and across the street was the Isabella Lightfoot Training School. Thank you, Pastor Ben Tyler, for opening your heart & doors to us at Bethel Baptist Church.

Albemarle 26 members, including our very own OCAAHS Board Member Mr. Lewis Johnson, recently visited 5th graders at the Stone-Robinson Elementary School in Charlottesville, VA

Recording of annual meeting--Gloria Gilmore and EMily WInkey discuss Gordonsville swimming pool during segregation

OCAAHS Board Member Jo-Ann Brock reads to 4th graders about Chef Edna Lewis at Grelen Nursery in Somerset. The field trip was devoted to learning about the life and works of Edna Lewis, one of Orange County's most famous citizens.

THANK YOU from OCAAHS President Bruce Monroe on your support of our mission to identify, research and preserve African American legacies, lore, and historical sites in Orange County Virginia.