Princess Anne County Training School/Union Kempsville High School Museum Re-Opens for Tours Jan. 29

The Virginia Beach Cultural Affairs Department and Virginia Beach History Museums are excited to announce that the Princess Anne County Training School/Union Kempsville High School Museum will re-open for free public tours on Saturday, Jan. 29.

"After being closed for over a year due to Virginia Beach City Public Schools' pandemic protocols, we are so thrilled to finally be able to re-open this important cultural institution to the public," said Annmarie Reiley-Kay, director of the Virginia Beach History Museums. "The museum is a reminder of the sacrifices and struggles African Americans faced in an effort to educate their children, and achieve in the face of oppression, while illustrating the power of community engagement and activism."

On Jan. 29, the museum, located inside of the Virginia Beach City Public Schools' Renaissance Academy (5100 Cleveland St., Virginia Beach, Virginia) will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Guided tours start at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., while self-guided tours are available the rest of the day.

The museum will remain open for self-guided tours on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. If an individual or group would like a guided tour after Jan. 29, please email vbhistory@vbgov.com to inquire about guided tour availability.

There is no requirement to register for tours in advance. Museum guests are encouraged to wear a facial covering. Please bring your own or pick up a disposable facial covering at the front desk. Virginia Beach History Museums staff and volunteers will be wearing facial coverings. If you have any questions about Virginia Beach History Museums tours and programs, please call 757-385-5100 or email vbhistory@vbgov.com.

Princess Anne County Training School was the first high school for African Americans in Princess Anne County, which is 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.

In 1962, the Princess Anne County Training School changed its name to Union Kempsville High School. After over 30 years of operation, Union Kempsville High School graduated its last class in 1969 due to the citywide 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.

Visit www.museumsvb.org, and follow Virginia Beach History Museums on social media, for the latest updates.

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.