African-American History in Botetourt County

The Botetourt County-Wide League

This organization, initially formed by teachers and parents in the early 20th century, raised money for school supplies, furniture (items not supplied by the School Board), and gave scholarships to college-bound students. Since the accomplishments and ordeals of Black Botetourt have not been documented in any collective form, the County-Wide League is beginning to document and interpret the African American Heritage in Botetourt County.

The County-Wide League meets the first Saturday of each month (except in July) at 2:30 pm in the Family Life Center of the Fincastle United Methodist Church.

For more information, contact Judy Barnett, 473-2082

Botetourt County African-American Heritage Festival

A 2004 Heritage Festival showcased the African-American history and heritage of Botetourt County through collected artifacts, photographs, memorabilia, etc. for each community in the County. Exhibits included information about families, schools, churches and businesses.

The Festival and associated brochure, "Finding What Has Been Lost: Families, Churches, Schools, Organizations, Businesses" were funded in part through a Discretionary Fund Grant from the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities. The brochure is available at school and public libraries, the County History Museum in Fincastle and the County Chamber of Commerce.

"Finding What Has Been Lost: Families, Churches, Schools, Organizations, Businesses" brochure requires Acrobat Reader

(to receive a copy of the brochure, call Judy Barnett, 473-2082)

Back to the Botetourt County History page.