Juneteenth special events set for Friday afternoon at the African American Commemorative Park in Orange Hilary Holladay Jun 18, 2026 Article in its entirety James Bruce Monroe III grew up in Orange and has lived here almost his entire life. After high school, Monroe enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and spent five years on active duty, mostly at Dover Air Force Base. During a phone interview on Monday (June 15), he told me of his time at the Delaware base, “That’s where I discov

Shannah Mort brings a lifelong passion for history and a strong commitment to preserving the stories that shape our community. As Executive Director of The James Madison Museum of Orange County Heritage, she leads with purpose—ensuring history is not only preserved, but shared in meaningful and inclusive ways. With a professional background spanning museum curation, tourism, event programming, and years of service in Fire and EMS, Shannah embodies true dedication to public se

If you missed the Annual Meeting and the presentation "Carrying Freedom Forward, The Gordonsville Women Waiter Carriers" by Shannah Mort, here are the slides. Enjoy and remember to share this post to people who may not know this piece of Orange County History.

February 15, 2026 | The Arts Center in Orange | Orange The Orange County African American Historical Society (OCAAHS) held its 2026 Annual Membership Meeting on February 15th at The Arts Center in Orange. Members gathered for an afternoon of reflection, transition, education, and fellowship as we continued our commitment to preserving and honoring African American history in our community. During the business portion of the meeting, leadership transitions were formally recogn

Bernice Washington is a respected community leader and lifelong advocate for education, service, and faith. She has dedicated her life to uplifting others through mentorship, leadership, and volunteer efforts across Orange County and beyond. For more than 20 years, Bernice has worked at the Orange County Department of Social Services, where she recruits foster parents to serve as nurturing foster families, helps parents find employment, and supports programs that enhance the

Markiana T. Smith is a proud graduate of the University of Virginia, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in African and African American Studies. During her time at UVA, she became a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, and was the creative writing director of the Black Monologues. Marki is a dynamic nonprofit leader, community advocate, and strategist with a deep commitment to service, equity, and connection. As the Engagement and Belonging Manager at the Unite

For 30 years, Crystal Snead Crockett has been more than a business owner in Orange County—she has been a symbol of perseverance, purpose, and community. As an African American woman and entrepreneur, she has built a legacy that uplifts others through faith, hard work, and compassion. Crystal began her entrepreneurial journey at just 20 years old. Over three decades, she has employed nearly 20 people, two of whom have gone on to open and successfully operate their own salons.

Valencia B. Bailey is a proud native of Chatham, Virginia, and the youngest of three daughters born to the late Alfonso “Big Al” and Ozella Bennett. She carries forward their legacy of generosity and community care with grace and purpose. Valencia dedicated 28 years to GEICO, serving in multiple departments before retiring. In 2014, she and her husband, Pastor Tommie L. Bailey, founded Good Samaritan Inc., a nonprofit providing food and clothing to individuals and families ac

Ayana Braxton-Thurston, VCA, is a lifelong resident of Orange County with deep roots in community service. Her engagement began in middle school as Youth President of the Orange County NAACP Branch and continued through high school as an intern at the Orange County Free Clinic with the Blue Ridge Virtual Governor’s School. After college, she returned home to continue her dedication to public service and equitable governance. In November 2024, Ayana was appointed Procurement S

Congrats to OCAAHS Board Member Jo-Ann T. Brock for her Montpelier Descendants Committee North Star Award for her dedication, commitment, empathy and selfless service that continues to inspire. June 14, 2025

Courtesy Byrd Street By Hilary Holladay https://byrdstreet.substack.com/i/160671242/artists-loft Our featured artist is Davi Leventhal, a painter and draftsman who until recently lived in Orange and taught painting classes at The Arts Center in Orange. Born in Rio de Janeiro and reared in New York City, Davi studied art at Pratt Institute, the School of Visual Arts, Cooper Union and the Art Students League of New York, and has exhibited his work in New York and elsewhere. He

Honoring THE MEMORY OF Mary White, May 21, 1918 - March 31, 2025 The following eulogy was delivered by Bruce Monroe at Mary’s service on April 13 Today, we gather not only in mourning, but in deep celebration of a life beautifully and faithfully lived. Mary White was a woman of quiet strength, unwavering faith, and boundless love—a true pillar of her community and a reflection of God’s enduring grace. To live 106 years is extraordinary. But to live them with such dignity, pu

Photos and Post by Bruce Monroe On the cold and windy afternoon of February 16, the Orange County African American Historical Society...

March 1, 2025 Zion Hill Baptist Church, 802 Zion Hill Road, Keswick, VA 22947 Family Gathering, 10:00 am – 11:00 am; Memorial Service,...

YOU ARE INVITED Orange County African American County Heritage Program & 2025 Annual Membership Meeting Sunday, February 16, 2025,...

Byrd Street's 2024 Citizens of the Year Ellen Wessel and Dan Hornick honored for their work on behalf of community Hilary Holladay Dec...

OCAAHS recently visited the historic Bethel Baptist Church to give a presentation on the history of this important church. The...

with James Bruce Monroe, III and Matthew Reeves Images from left to right, Westview Cemetery, Orange, Blue Run Baptist Church Cemetery...

It is with heavy hearts that we, the Orange County African American Historical Society, extend our deepest condolences on the passing of...

OCAAHS Board members Bruce Monroe, JoAnn Brock, Mary Freeman, Rev. Robert Anthony, Rev. Darryle Crump, Lewis Johnson, Judy Peterson and...