Learn about construction of the Dismal Swamp Canal and Moses Grandy, a slave born in the late 1700s who years later gained his freedom and became a prominent abolitionist. Camden County was also home to two Rosenwald Schools. Explore the museum’s collection of school images, mascots and school books from Marian Anderson High School. This school opened in 1952 for Camden County’s African American students and eventually became the county’s middle school after integration in 1969.

The museum also features displays of Parksville AME Zion Church, the oldest African American Church in Camden County (1867) and Willie Gallop Sr., who served in World War I and returned to his home in Camden after the war ended.

The Historic Jail is furnished to resemble an old sheriff’s office along with the original bull pen containing four cells. The jail includes several displays and artifacts from the Jim Crow era. There is also a display honoring Samuel Shaw, the first African American Camden County Commissioner.