African American Trailblazers Exhibition Comes Appomattox Regional Library
Hopewell
February 5th - March 1st

Come take a look at some fascinating individuals in Virginia history. The traveling exhibition for the 2009 African American Trailblazers in Virginia History program comes to Hopewell in celebration of African American History Month. The Historic Hopewell Foundation, Inc. (HHFI) in partnership with the Appomattox Regional Library System (ARLS) and the Prince George County Historical Society will sponsor the display of this exhibition at the Hopewell Library from February 5 through March 1. The library is located at 209 East Cawson Street. 

This annual program from the Library of Virginia honors people who have shaped Virginia history. In observance of African American History Month, the Library of Virginia honors eight distinguished Virginians for their contributions to the state and nation. The men and women featured as Trailblazers offer powerful examples of individuals who refused to be defined by their circumstances. This year’s honorees for 2010 have just been announced and include Mary Smith Kelsey Peak (ca. 1823-1862), an educator from Hampton, and Henry L. Marsh, III (1933-), a civil rights attorney and elected official from Richmond. The Carter G. Woodson Elementary School in Hopewell is named for one of individuals who were included in this program in 2007.

“We are delighted to be working with the Library of Virginia, the Appomattox Regional Library System and the Prince George County Historical Society to bring this exhibition to the community” said Shirley Belkowitz, Director of Museums for HHFI. “Partnerships like these help all of us continue to save and understand the history of our community.” 

A lecture by Dr. Tameka Hobbs of the Library of Virginia on the 2010 African American Trailblazers in Virginia History program will be presented at the Prince George County Regional Heritage Center on February 27 at 2:00 PM. A reception will follow and a chance to chat with Dr. Hobbs. The Center is located at 6406 Courthouse Road, Prince George.

For more information on these programs and events please call 458-4682. To learn more about the Trailblazers program go to Library of Virginia web site at www.lva.virginia.gov/trailblazers. To learn more about the Prince George County Historical Society go to their web site at www.princegeorgevahistoricalsociety.org and for information on the Appomattox Regional Library System go to www.arls.org.