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It has been more than a decade and the Central High Museum is finally on the Civil Rights in Education Heritage Trail.

On Sept. 18, 2020 the signage detailing the history and importance of the museum on the trail was dedicated on the museum’s grounds with members of the museum and the press in attendance.

The sign is a beautiful sight to behold.  The purpose of the Civil Rights in Education Heritage Trail is to preserve and promote the various institutions such as libraries, schools and museums that explain the role of Virginia in the quest for equality in education. It was here that African Americans, Native Americans and women combined their efforts to start a trailblazing grassroots movement to reach that goal.

The Civil Rights in Education Heritage Trail is an ingenuous marketing strategy established by the Old Dominion Resource Conservation and Development Council, Inc. and is under the management of Virginia Retreat.

This is a coalition of the counties of Amelia, Appomattox, Charlotte, Brunswick, Buckingham, Halifax, Dinwiddie, Lynchburg, Mecklenburg, Nottoway, Prince Edward as well as the City of Petersburg. These counties and cities have an objective to promote the history and heritage that is all around us and made available to everyone.

Combining heritage and tourism is at the forefront of this mission. This trail showcases what each county has to offer with clear signage and detailed maps to guide your way. When visitors see what is offered, businesses will come here, people will eat here and they will want to live here.

Grab a map and take a walk through history right here in your own backyard. Stop by the grounds of the Central High Museum and read the illuminating signage that many worked so hard to make a reality.

Judy Moore, who lives in Wylliesburg and can be reached at caesar502021@outlook.com, is a tour guide with The Central High Museum.