Honor and Celebrate Local Veterans at Princess Anne County Training School/Union Kempsville High School Museum Event Nov. 5

​In honor of those who have served in our nation's military, the Princess Anne County Training School/Union Kempsville High School Alumni and Friends Association (PACTS/UKHS) and Virginia Beach History Museums (VBHM) are hosting a free celebration and discussion of American veterans centered around the 2022 Veterans Day theme, "Honor."

The event takes place on Saturday, Nov. 5, from 2-4 p.m. at the Princess Anne County Training School/Union Kempsville High School Museum, located in Virginia Beach City Public Schools' Renaissance Academy, 5100 Cleveland St.

Attendees can explore the historic museum, meet PACTS/UKHS alumni and connect with local veterans. The event also features guest speakers, including PACTS/UKHS graduates who went on to serve in the United States military, a color guard presentation from Commonwealth ChalleNGe Youth Academy cadets, and music from Symphonicity.

This event is FREE and open to the public; advanced registration is not required. For any questions, email vbhistory@vbgov.com or call 757-385-5100.

For the latest information about VBHM events and tours, visit museumsvb.org and follow the Virginia Beach History Museums on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

ABOUT PRINCESS ANNE COUNTRY TRAINING SCHOOL/UNION KEMPSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL MUSEUM

Princess Anne County Training School was the first high school for African Americans in Princess Anne County, now known as Virginia Beach. The school was a result of the African American community in the 1930s working together to raise money to build a school so their children could receive a proper education. The initial money raised was used to purchase four acres of land on Witchduck Road. The school board received the land, and $2,000, but it made no attempt to build a school. As a result, in 1934, a temporary school was established on the property of Union Baptist Church. In 1938, a four-classroom high school was finally built and, between 1949 and 1962, several additions were made to the school. In 1962, the Princess Anne County Training School changed its name to Union Kempsville High School. After over 30 years of operation, the school graduated its last class in 1969 due to the city-wide integration of schools. Today the legacy of the school continues with the establishment of the museum, which shares stories of family, community, sacrifice, and the importance of education. The museum is located within Virginia Beach City Public Schools' Renaissance Academy.

ABOUT THE CITY OF VIRGINIA BEACH CULTURAL AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT:

The Cultural Affairs Department engages residents and visitors through meaningful arts, heritage, and cultural experiences to connect and strengthen communities. The Department assists and directs the Virginia Beach Arts & Humanities Commission, coordinates the City's Public Art Program, oversees Virginia Beach History Museums, provides contract management for the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, serves as the liaison with Virginia MOCA and the ViBe Creative District, and serves as a resource to local arts and humanities organizations.

ABOUT THE CITY OF VIRGINIA BEACH HISTORY MUSEUMS:

The City of Virginia Beach History Museums includes the Thoroughgood House, the Francis Land House, the Lynnhaven House, and Princess Anne County Training School/Union Kempsville High School Museum. They are part of the City's Cultural Affairs Department. As part of the municipal government of the City of Virginia Beach, the Cultural Affairs Department engages residents and visitors through meaningful arts, heritage, and cultural experiences to connect and strengthen communities. Visit www.museumsvb.org for more information, and follow @VBHistoryMuseums on Facebook and Instagram, and @VBHistMuseums on Twitter, to stay up to date on all the events and news from Virginia Beach History Museums.