JSR-SPC Museum receives support

Justin Reid, Director, African American Programs with Virginia Humanities and Manger of the General Assembly African American Cultural Resources Task Force, recently visited the James Solomon Russell – Saint Paul’s College Museum and Archives. Reid spent several hours looking at and discussing the museum’s collection. James Grimstead, Chairman of the Museum met with and gave Reid a tour of the museum.

During the visit, Reid recorded the story of the museum as told by Grimstead and took many photographs of the artifacts in the collection. The audio and photography will be shared with audiences around the state through Virginia Humanities’ radio and podcast programs, online resources and a traveling exhibit, which will help promote the museum.

Reid was amazed by the large number of artifacts, photographs and other records related to James Solomon Russell, Saint Paul’s College and the James Solomon Russell High School.

“This is one of the most impressive collections on African American education I’ve ever seen,” said Reid. “It’s a priceless treasure with global significance, right here in Brunswick County. We are committed to doing all that we can  to support the museum in preserving and widely sharing this important history.”

“Having Justin Reid, who is well experienced in the field of museums and the humanities, review our museum operation and give us high marks is a great incentive for making our museum project the best it can be to our supporters and followers,” said Grimstead. “We look forward to partnering with Virginia Humanities as we grow a great future for the museum.”

Virginia Humanities, located in Charlottesville at the University of Virginia, was created in 1974 through money and support from the National Endowment for the Humanities.