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Black History Field Trip
South Boston, Va
One in the series of Halifax County Field Trips, focused on Black History. From visiting sites along the Halifax County African American Heritage Trail, to walking to ruins of enslaved quarters, students will gain a deeper understanding of Black History in Southern Virginia. From lodging to dining, this itinerary has also been tailored to include black owned businesses.
3 Days
Medium Activity
Day 1
STOP : PICK UP YOUR ASSIGNMENT AT HALIFAX COUNTY VISITOR CENTER
Stop by the Halifax County Visitor Center to pick up your assignment! Ask our docents for recommendations to make the assignment your own. Also find a selection of local history books and crafts by local artisans.
STOP : CHECK IN AT BRADLEY HOUSE
Arrive at Bradley House Bed and Breakfast. This historic colonial home turned bed and breakfast has been meticulously planned to create a peaceful, secluded, and inviting atmosphere.
Day 2
STOP : MEADVILLE COMMUNITY CENTER
After a fresh, homemade breakfast at The Bradley House, a beautiful country drive will lead you to the Meadville Community Center. The center is a significant educational and community focal point, enriching the lives of residents of Halifax County.
STOP : L.E. COLEMAN AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM
Your next stop takes you to the County’s African American museum. The building was originally Mountain Road School No. 1 and built around 1919.
STOP : MARY BETHUNE HIGH SCHOOL
Continue along Mountain Road until reaching the Town of Halifax. The current building is a renovated version of the original Mary M. Bethune High School, the black high school during segregation.
STOP : PICK UP LUNCH FROM BEE BEE’S SPOT
Next, pick up lunch to go at Bee Bee’s Spot. This black-owned business is a recent addition to the Halifax County culinary scene. Between its fast service and traditional soul food, this restaurant has become a local favorite.
STOP : WASHINGTON-COLEMAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Next, head to Washington-Coleman Community Center in South Boston. Step inside and back in time to see a model of the one-room schoolhouse that it used to be.
STOP : MIZPAH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Go to Downtown South Boston to Mizpah Presbyterian Church. During the second half of the 19th century many churches filled African Americans’ need for schooling. Built in 1901, the Mizpah School was constructed on the land where the church still stands.
STOP : PICK UP DESSERT AT KJ’S
While downtown, stop by KJ’s Cupcakes. Pick up a sweet treat for dessert. This cupcake shop has a variety of themed and flavored cupcakes, ice cream, and desserts.
STOP : DIAMOND HILL CEMETERY
Explore the ruins of Berry Hill’s past while walking to Diamond Hill Cemetery. The cemetery contains over 300 unmarked graves of the enslaved. Today a memorial stands at the entrance of the cemetery so that the lives and stories of these individuals will be remembered. The easiest access point is to park at Berry Hill and follow the walking trail roughly a mile to the tobacco heritage trail.
STOP : DINNER AT DARBY’S
After a walk around the Berry Hill property, get dinner at Darby’s Tavern. The tavern serves American and pub favorites and is housed within the original kitchen of the mansion. Named after Darby Duncan, known for his culinary excellence, a pot Darby used is still displayed within the tavern.
Day 3
STOP : CHECK OUT
Before checking out, end your stay at the Bradley House with another fresh breakfast. On your way home, stop by other sites on the Civil Rights in Education Trail, which are located throughout Virginia.
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