Many families affected by the Moton Student Walkout on April 23, 1951, and the Prince Edward County Schools Closings in 1959 have rallied together to support the Robert Russa Moton Museum and its mission to tell their story. On September 4, 2010 at 4pm, the Museum will host the “Family Challenge” Event to thank everyone who participated and recognize their support.

The Saturday event is free and open to the public. All are welcome to celebrate the dedication of so many families. Everyone who participated in the “Family Challenge” Fund-raising event will receive certificates of thanks and be named on a plaque to be hung in the Museum. A family trophy and individual honor plaque will be presented to those who raised the most funds towards the campaign.

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Former Governor and U. S. Senator, George Allen, recently visited the Robert Russa Moton Museum for a tour and update on Moton 2011.

Allen was welcomed by museum president Bob Hamlin, director Lacy Ward, Jr., and chair of the development committee, Joy Cabarrus Speakes. Also joining in welcoming Allen were exhibit designer, Terry Ammons of Studio Ammons, and Prestige Construction’s Kenneth Jones.

“George Allen is a longtime supporter of the Moton Museum,” Ward noted. “As Governor, he encouraged early economic development efforts of the museum through his Opportunity Virginia initiative. As Senator, he led the Faith & Politics Institutes’s pilgrimage to the Prince Edward County.”

Allen commented that, “the historic Moton Museum presents a truly significant, authentic, human and legal story of the brave quest for the advancement of equal opportunities for all to achieve their American dreams.”

Allen continued, “I enjoyed seeing the progress that has been made in the four years since I last visited the Museum. I’m impressed with its leadership and its dedication to accuracy as well as its use of technology to present this compelling story. It is heartening to see the results of the generosity of so many in support of the Museum and its mission.”

This fall, the Robert Russa Moton Museum will present a series of special events from October 21st through the 25th. In partnership with Virginia’s Retreat and the Virginia Tourism Corporation, the Museum will present the 2010 Civil Rights in Education Heritage Trail Conference on October 21. Following this, over the weekend of October 22 – 25, students displaced by the civil rights struggles in Prince Edward County from 1959 through 1963 will be honored at a reunion, including a banquet with keynote speaker Al-Tony Gilmore, Ph.D.
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This week, Governor McDonnell visited Longwood University to speak at the 64th annual Girls State. During his visit, the Governor made a donation of $10,000 to support the Moton Museum. Photo at right from Thursday’s visit with Director Lacy Ward and Governor McDonnell courtesy of Longwood University.

Read more about this story online!
ABC-13/WSET, Lynchburg, VA – McDonnell Stops at Liberty University, Farmville
Richmond Times-Dispatch, Richmond, VA – McDonnell donates $10,000 to Farmville museum

The Robert Russa Moton Museum has hired a Program Coordinator to work with educators and tour bus companies so as to increase visitation to the museum. Patrice Carter’s responsibilities also include informing the community about Moton’s story and its relevance to Civil Rights history.

Carter officially began her position June 1, 2010. Carter said the goal of her job is “to create programs that will keep people and different groups coming back to the museum.” She hopes also to form close bonds with schools and other educational institutions.

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