About this Event
Join the Descendants of Enslaved Communities of Virginia (DEC-VA) for a day of exploration in Orange County, Virginia, as we visit historic African American communities, churches, cemeteries, and cultural landmarks that tell the story of Black life and community-building in Central Virginia.
This field trip is part of DEC-VA’s ongoing effort to connect genealogy, place, and community history. If you are researching ancestors whose lives were rooted in communities that have changed dramatically—or, in some cases, nearly disappeared, then the Field Trip series is for you. This trip provides an opportunity to step beyond the family tree and encounter the landscapes where our ancestors lived, worshipped, learned, raised families, and built community.
Led in partnership with the Orange County African American Historical Society (OCAAHS), our day in Orange County will highlight both well-known and lesser-known sites while introducing participants to resources available for continuing their own family and community research.
Ground transportation is covered in your registration fee. We'll meet at the Jefferson School African American Heritage Center for pick-up, kicking our tour off at 9am.
Come ready to walk the landscape, listen to the stories, ask questions, and connect the dots between genealogy and place.
Space is limited, so secure your seat today!
What We'll Explore
Little Petersburg & Bethel Baptist Church
Info: Our first stop will be the historic community of Little Petersburg and Bethel Baptist Church, where we will learn about the community's history and the people who helped build and sustain it. We’ll explore the landscape surrounding the original Bethel church, cemetery, and Freedom School, and learn about ongoing efforts to document and preserve the community's history—including the installation of a historic marker.
OCAAHS and James Madison Museum
Info: Next, we’ll visit the Orange County African American Historical Society (OCAAHS) and James Madison Museum for a presentation about the organization and the resources it provides to researchers, descendants, and the broader community. Participants will learn about OCAAHS projects, including its cemetery documentation and preservation work, oral history initiatives, genealogy resources, and upcoming programs.
Lunch in Downtown Orange: Cooper's
Info: We’ll take a short break for lunch at a local Orange favorite, Coopers, before continuing our exploration of the town and surrounding communities: https://www.cooperscookinandcatering.com/
Exploring Black Orange
Info: Our afternoon will include a driving tour of historic African American sites and neighborhoods in the Town of Orange and surrounding area.
Highlights may include:
- Nazareth Baptist Church, one of the oldest Black churches in Orange County, dating to approximately 1861
- Church and Mill Streets
- Westview Cemetery
- Jacksontown and Tibbstown
- Blue Run Baptist Church
- School #7
Event venue & nearby stays
Jefferson School African American Heritage Center, 233 4th St NW, Charlottesville, United States
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