This post was written by Yolanda Jones-Howell, public relations coordinator for Virginia Beach City Public Schools.

February is African American History Month, and  it is a great time for anyone to start a new tradition woven in an exploration of the past the City of Virginia Beach.

The Princess Anne Training School/Union Kempsville High School (PACTS/UKHS) Museum is a place where families, classrooms, school alumni groups, civic leagues and even individuals can visit to learn about the development and legacy of the school. It is located in the Renaissance Academy, which is the site of the former school.

PACTS/UKHS was the first and, only school, for “colored children” in Princess Anne County, which is now known as the city of Virginia Beach.

The lack of a school caused some parents to send their children to other localities, such as Norfolk, to get an education. Because no school existed for black children, the Princess Anne County Training Association was established to correct that deficit.  Under the association’s leadership, the county’s African American parents, communities, teachers, churches and community organizations raised money to purchase property to build a high school to provide better educational advantages for African American children in the county.  Their funds also enabled the community to buy furniture and school supplies for the young students.

While grateful for the courageous stance taken by the community organizers who started the school, many PACTS/UKHS alumni today applaud their former teachers who made education a priority, and encouraged their students to learn.

In 1934, a temporary school site first was established on the property of the predominantly black Union Baptist Church on South Boulevard. Children attended the school and engaged in the process of learning. The school changed location after a four-room building was completed in 1938 at the intersection of Cleveland Street and Witchduck Road.

The school later expanded in size and the facility and was renamed Union Kempsville High School in 1962. In 1969, the high school closed after city-wide integration of schools started in Virginia Beach. The last class graduated in 1969.

But the legacy of the school remains within the walls of the museum and in the hearts of alumni.

Inside the museum, visitors can view videotaped interviews of the school’s former students and educators who share glimpses of their personal history woven around PACTS/UKHS. On display are many artifacts from the school such as photographs, books, athletic sweaters and gear, homecoming queen memorabilia, a teacher’s cap and gown,  old auditorium chairs from the school, and so much more.

From its humble beginnings, PACTS-UKHS proudly produced students who became strong citizens and leaders in communities in Virginia Beach and throughout the nation. The education they received from caring educators at PACTS/UKHS help launched them into various fields such as education, medicine, military service, civil service and other professions and trades.

Developed by Virginia Beach City Public Schools, the museum is operated by the city’s Department of Museums and Historic Resources. According to the city’s website, vbgov.com, the museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is closed Sundays and days that the Renaissance Academy is not in session. Daily admission to the museum is free.

Group rates are available for groups of 10 or more for special tours with advance notice.  Please call 757.648.6006 for prices and reservations.

 

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