Celebrating Black History Month Across Virginia Beach

February is Black History Month, and numerous events are taking place throughout the city to engage, learn and appreciate African American history, heritage and culture.

Ways to Celebrate

Black History Month: Community Art Project 
Feb. 1-28, Meyera E. Oberndorf Central Library, 4100 Virginia Beach Blvd.

Throughout the month of February, contribute to this Black History Month art project inspired by visual artist Raymond Saunders. Stop by Central Library's youth area and design a piece of art to add to the community-assembled art wall. Open to children 11 years old and younger. 

Virginia Beach Public Library (VBPL) is hosting several events for all ages. The full list of Black History events can be found on VBPL’s event calendar. 

Visit the PACTS/UKHS Museum and New Augmented Reality Experience 
The Princess Anne County Training School/Union Kempsville High School Museum is open for free, self-guided tours on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — no need to register.

Princess Anne County Training School (PACTS) was the first high school for African Americans in Princess Anne County, now known as Virginia Beach. In the 1930s, members of the African American community worked together to raise money and build the school so their children could receive a proper education. Today, the school legacy continues in the museum, sharing stories of family, community, sacrifice and the importance of education.  

While you’re there, check out the new augmented reality (AR) experience using the Virginia Beach History Museums History Explorer AR app (available for download in the iPhone App Store and on Google Play.

The museum’s AR features include a letter from President Lyndon B. Johnson, photos from all classes 1938-69, virtual recreations of the 1954 school building and Thaddeus Clay Smith Stadium, an interactive experience with a homecoming crown and more. Staff members are available to help if you have questions about using the app.  

Unable to visit the museum in-person? Take a virtual tour. 

Tune in to “Black History/Black Futures” 
Virginia Beach Cultural Affairs has a continued podcast partnership with Norfolk State University to celebrate Black history all year long, The most recent episode of “Black History/Black Futures,” released Jan. 12, 2026, is “African Americans & Labor: Re-imagining and co-creating a new economic landscape for African Americans.” Find the series on NSU’s podcast page on iHeart or Apple Podcasts.

Signs of History

As part of Black History Month observances, the City will mark another milestone in its effort to honor and preserve the legacy of its historic African American neighborhoods by hosting dedication ceremonies for Phase II of its historic African American community signs program. Later this month, City officials, in partnership with community leaders for Seatack, Lake Smith and Great Neck, will come together to celebrate and unveil each sign.

Building on the success of Phase I — which recognized the Beechwood, Burton Station, New Light and Queen City communities — these new signs will serve as permanent reminders of the resilience, strength and cultural contributions of generations of Black residents who established and nurtured these neighborhoods despite systemic challenges.

The Phase II installations, like those before them, will feature distinctive designs that proudly denote each area as “An African American Historic Community,” helping to educate residents and visitors about the deep roots and ongoing story of Virginia Beach’s African American residents.