“Finding what is lost” Black History Month activities

Celebrating Black History Month, the Botetourt County Historical Museum will exhibit “Finding What Has Been Lost” beginning on February 1, 2020.  “Finding What Has Been Lost” is a display that celebrates the story of the African American communities of Botetourt County.  The exhibit highlights the communities, churches, schools, community groups and individual stories that showcase these communities scattered throughout Botetourt County.

Thanks to the many years of research and collecting photos and artifacts by Edward Barnett and his sister Judith Barnett, this exhibit has become an important way to document the history of the African American community in the county.  Display boards, featuring facts and photos will be set up in the Botetourt Gallery on the first floor of the museum.

A special display developed to highlight the life and accomplishments of Norvel Lee, winner of an Olympic Gold Medal in 1952, who was born in the community of Gala, north of Eagle Rock will be on display.  A book on the life of Norvel Lee, by local author Ken Conklin, is being released in February.  A special book talk for the forthcoming book “Norvel” will be held on February 8 at 2 p.m. in the Fincastle Library Meeting Room.

The exhibit “Finding What Has Been Lost” will be on display from February 1 through March 31 at the Botetourt County Historical Museum at 3 West Main Street on Courthouse Square in Fincastle, Virginia.  The museum is open on Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and on Sundays from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.  Admission is free.

For more information contact the museum at (540) 473-8394 or wmartin@botetourtva.gov.