Our History

In 1997, the Central High Museum was initially organized by a group of concerned citizens of Charlotte County and housed in the high school library.  The idea originated from the perceived need to collect, preserve, and exhibit major contributions of Charlotte County African Americans who had gone unrecognized for centuries. Various community members were receptive to the idea and began lending their support; mostly through small donations of artifacts, pictures, display of items, and money. It became incorporated with 501 (c)(3) non-profit status in the fall, of August 1999. 

In keeping with its mission to provide educational exhibits and programs on the history and culture of African Americans in the area, the Museum is dedicated to locating, retrieving, and preserving important documents and physical items from the once-segregated Negro Central High School, and the culture of the black community. Unfortunately, during the transition from one location to another, individuals responsible for moving records, sports memorabilia, and other notable belongings threw many items into the trash dumpster. Community members and teachers who witnessed this destruction crawled into the dumpster and recovered some possessions.  As a result, the alumni felt a tremendous loss that continues today. 

In 2016, through the support of the Charlotte County Board of Supervisors, and the Charlotte County School Board officials, The Central High Museum, Inc. was relocated from the main Central High School building to a remodeled, on-campus building that was once known as the “bus shop”, and later, the agriculture building.  On June 25, 2016, a celebratory dedication and a grand opening were held.  Dr. Odessa Pride, a retired teacher and member of the Prince Edward County Board of Supervisors, gave the opening address. The Central High Museum President of the Executive Board, Dr. Hezteine R. Foster, cut the ribbon.  

Our Mission Statement

 The mission of The Central High Museum, Inc. is to locate, retrieve, preserve, display, and explain the historical artifacts, to foster and promote a greater understanding of the contributions of the African American experience and its impact on the cultural, educational, and socio-economic aspect of Charlotte County and neighboring communities.