EDUCATING THE COMMUNITY
Community Guides
Apply to become a community guide today.
Come join our upcoming Community Guides program!
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.
It’s Sunday 3:39 pm EST — Sorry, we’re closed. Visit us when we’re open!
Contemporary Gallery
Theresa Woodfolk | Life Moments, A Circular Mile
12 September – 12 December, 2026
Exhibition opening 12 September | 6-8 pm
It is often said that if one drops a pin at the Jefferson School and then ran in a circular mile, the historical black communities would fall within the circle. Life Moments, A Circular Mile is that preverbal pin.
Since 1999, Theresa Woodfolk has been recording her memories of growing up in Charlottesville on pieces of wood fencing. The 18 works included in Life Moments are at times autobiographical or are grounded in the artist’s interpretation of simpler times. While she claims to not be an artist, she has always sought to give form to her memories. In these works, she constructs her world view from simple elements—buttons, sticks, pieces of fabric, pecan shells—either found while walking away from her bus or dug from the bottom of a sewing box.”
Be sure to download our self-guided tour before your visit.
Spotlight Events & Programs
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
Become a Member
Become a Member!
As a JSAAHC Member you’ll receive:
- Free admission to exhibits and events.
- Discounts on workshops, lectures, and programs.
- Invitations to members-only events.
- Discounts in Alumni Room Museum Shop and Café
- And much more.
Help us plan for the future by taking our survey.
Help share authentic history by becoming a guide.
Hours:
Business hours 10 am -6pm;Exhibtion hours 1pm-6pm; Museum Shop and Cafe hours 9am-1pm
Location
233 4th St NW, Charlottesville, VA 22903
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Hours
Heritage Center
Tuesday – Friday 1.00 pm – 6.00 pm
Saturday 10 am – 1 pm
Closed Monday & Sunday
Jefferson Heritage African American Center © 2020. All Rights Reserved