Our History Matters

01/16/2023

MLK's first visit to Danville, see any familiar names?

01/16/2023

Happy MLK Day!
On Thursday, July 11, 1963 Dr. King arrived in Danville ahead of a demonstration in defiance of a local injunction. " I have so many injunctions that I dont even look at them anymore", I was enjoined January 15, 1929, when I was born in the United States a Negro........in Danville he stayed with an intelligent, kindly, extroverted retired schoolteacher Mrs. Beatrice Hairston. "Oh, I feel more at home here than any place I've ever been except my own home," Martin said. Off went the shoes, the tie was loosened, and after a cup of her good coffee, he made his way to the refrigerator for some Southern fried chicken.
~Excerpt from King: A Biography by David Lewis

Dr. King would visit Danville four times total, to learn more about his stay and the Wade-Hairston family tour with Our History Matters

01/14/2023

VH's Encyclopedia VA new entry 🙌🙌 Does anyone in our local region have native ties? Saponi? Occaneechi?

01/08/2023

So upon a return to the slave cemetery, we discovered this grave marker stone with a horseshoe resting upon it. The horseshoe was a symbol that wards off evil spirits.

As we began 2023 we reflect on the beautiful blessings of 2022. We are grateful for the discovery of our roots. We thank all who were instrumental in uncovering our family’s truth; Karice Luck-Brimmer, The Washington Post and CBS 60 Minutes for sharing our story.

We are also thankful for each one of you who viewed, shared and followed our amazing family’s story. We have enjoyed your messages and your written letters and artistic gifts. Please continue to be a part of our story as we continue our work to be a light in our community and reach beyond as well. We have many exciting events planned for Sharswood 2023. Stay tuned… 2023

Happy New Year and blessings to you
~ Sharswood

12/25/2022

Happy Holidays!!! Tour! Discover! Learn! with Our History Matters and throw in a little genealogy too:)

12/10/2022

Over the last year, we’ve spotlighted several of the artifacts in our collection, telling the story of Danville’s history. We’ve drawn…

12/06/2022

12/02/2022

Tour! Discover! Learn! with Our History Matters to learn more about the Coles slaveholding family right here in Pittsylvania County~

The Virginia land still owned by the Coles family could yield billions in uranium. Does any of that wealth belong to the descendants of the enslaved? Coles, 84, is one of countless Americans who still benefit from the wealth accumulated by America’s 18th- and 19th-century slaveholders. wapo.st/3ufz048

12/02/2022

A few months back on the job, I was asked, " what is your first memory of hearing about the local Civil Rights Movement" Check out the story feature in Virginia Humanities VIEWS!!

12/02/2022

Today marks the anniversary of Wendell Scott's historic win in the Jacksonville 200. On Sunday, December 1, 1963, spectators witnessed Wendell Scott become the first Black man to win a NASCAR Series race - a feat that would take nearly 60 years to repeat.

In addition to being the first Black driver to complete and win a NASCAR race, he was also the first Black team owner. However, due to racism, Scott didn't receive his well-deserved trophy until August 28, 2021.

Today, we applaud Wendell Scott for being persistent on and off the track, paving the way for other drivers, and being an example of Black excellence.

Learn more about the Wendell Scott Foundation: https://www.wendellscott.org/

11/26/2022

Danville native 💪 living history!! We have to celebrate him locally, this is awesome 🙌🙌

Legendary Norfolk State figure Marty Miller will be inducted into the inaugural Hall of Fame class of the Virginia Baseball Coaches Association, the organization announced this week.

11/26/2022

Thankful! Thankful! Thank you God for an amazing year. Hope everyone enjoyed the love of family and food over the Thanksgiving holiday. God bless you all from Our History Matters!!!
Tour! Discover! Learn!