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About Our Center

Located in the Jefferson School City Center, The Jefferson School African American Heritage Center’s mission is to honor and preserve the rich heritage and legacy of the African-American community of Charlottesville-Albemarle, Virginia and to promote a greater appreciation for, and understanding of, the contributions of African Americans and peoples of the Diaspora locally, nationally and globally.

The Center features a permanent historical exhibit, a rotating contemporary art gallery, and a robust calendar of events, all of which combine to highlight Charlottesville’s African American history and culture of the African diaspora.

Exhibitions

Education

Events

Contemporary Gallery

Veronica Jackson: A Constellation of BLACKTIVISTS

10 May – 9 August, 2025

Exhibition opening 10, May | 6-8 pm

The exhibition consist of two bodies of work, Jackson’s BLACKTIVISTS series, which she began in that considers the lives of 12 Black women activists and her Constellation of Blackness that uses the broadside format to articulate words by Audre Lourde and others that speak to the triumph of Black womanist self-accultalization.

Learn more

Finally Remembered: The Black Patriots of Central Virginia

20 September – 31 January, 2026

Exhibition opening: 20 September | 6-8 pm

The exhibition honors the African American Men and Women who served in the Revolutionary War. Through rare documents, profiles, military records, and historical interpretation, it restores the visibility of those whose courage helped shape the nation’s founding.

Spotlight Events & Programs

EDUCATING THE COMMUNITY

Community Guides

Apply to become a community guide today.

Come join our upcoming Community Guides program!

HONORING OUR HISTORY

Center for Local Knowledge

By appointment Tuesday through Saturday & every third Saturday 10am–12pm

The Center for Local Knowledge promotes the study of Charlottesville and Albemarle County.

PRESERVING OUR LEGACY

Exhibitions

Gallery hours: Tuesday - Friday, 1pm–6pm; Saturdays 10am–1pm

Our permanent and contemporary exhibitions together suggest the continuum between our past and our present.

Upcoming Events

Tour

Saturday Public Tours

Time: Saturday, December 20, 2025December 20, 2025 - 10:30 AM - June 21, 2025 - 11:30 AM /

Join us for a one hour tour where we explore the local Black history. Book tickets today for only $10.00.

Details Book Online

Special Event

Family Pumpkin Painting

Time: Saturday, October 11, 20251:00 PM - 2:30 PM / JSAAHC

Join us for a fun, family-friendly pumpkin painting event at JSAAHC! Space is limited to 20 families total, so be sure to reserve your spot early. Members receive priority, with limited spots also available to non-members. Families can choose between: Pumpkin Provided Ticket – We’ll supply one pumpkin for your family to paint. Bring Your Own Pumpkin Ticket – Bring your own pumpkin and join the fun! Who: Families with children 13 & under All painting supplies will be provided. This event is free, but registration is required to reserve your family’s spot. There are a limited number of tickets, so get yours today! Saturday, October 11th, 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Details Book Online