Shenandoah Valley Black Heritage Project

06/11/2026

Learning our history helps us understand our future. Join this community conversation on the history and significance of Juneteenth

06/08/2026

Like-minded organizations see the need to preserve this precious history. This is HARD work. This is work that MUST be done. What are you doing to help move this work forward?

06/08/2026

Happy Belated Birthday to our founder, Robin Lyttle! 🎉🎂

Yesterday, we celebrated the birthday of an extraordinary woman whose vision, determination, and unwavering persistence made SVBHP possible. Without Robin's dedication to preserving and sharing Black history, our organization would not exist today.

Robin, thank you for your tireless efforts, your leadership, and your commitment to ensuring that the stories, contributions, and legacy of Black history are never forgotten. Your passion continues to inspire us and future generations.

On behalf of everyone at SVBHP, we wish you a very Happy Belated Birthday and a year filled with joy, good health, and continued success. We are grateful for all that you have done and continue to do.

Please join us in wishing Robin Lyttle a wonderful happy belated birthday! 🎈🎁🎊



You could also add a favorite photo of Robin or a collage highlighting her work with the organization to make the post even more personal and engaging.

06/05/2026

☀️ It’s a beautiful weekend to get out and enjoy the Shenandoah Valley.

Consider visiting Lewis Mountain in the Shenandoah National Park.

Many visitors don’t realize that during the era of segregation, Lewis Mountain was the only area within the park where African Americans were permitted to stay overnight. Despite being created under Jim Crow laws, it became an important gathering place for Black families, church groups, and travelers who sought recreation and community in the Blue Ridge Mountains. (National Park Service)

Today, Lewis Mountain remains a destination worth exploring. The campground, cabins, camp store, and picnic area are all open for the season, offering visitors an opportunity to experience both the natural beauty and the rich history of this special place.

Where are you exploring this weekend?

06/03/2026

📖 Book Review

The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson tells the story of the Great Migration through the lives of three individuals who left the South seeking opportunity and freedom.

This book reminds us that Black history is not just about dates it’s about people, families, sacrifice, courage, and hope.

⭐ SVBHP Recommendation: A must-read.

05/28/2026

Unearthing Stories That History Tried to Bury

What can archaeology teach us about the lives of enslaved men, women, and children? More than many people realize.

Join Dr. Matt Greer for a fascinating presentation exploring how archaeological research at Belle Grove Plantation is helping uncover the daily lives, resilience, foodways, and acts of resistance of those who lived and labored there.

Events like this remind us that history is not only found in documents and photographs—it is also preserved in the landscapes, artifacts, and communities that continue to tell these important stories.

📅 Saturday, May 14, 2026
🕒 3:00 PM
📍 The PATH Foundation, Warrenton, VA

At SVBHP, we believe preserving and sharing these stories helps strengthen our understanding of the past and its connection to our communities today.

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, we pause to honor the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.

We also remember the many African American veterans whose stories, sacrifices, and contributions helped shape both our nation and the Shenandoah Valley community we preserve today. Their legacy lives on through the generations that followed.

As we gather with family and community today, may we also take a moment to reflect, remember, and give thanks. 🇺🇸

05/20/2026

📍 Reminder: Today is the Northeast Neighborhood Produce Market!

Join our community partners at The Arc of Harrisonburg & Rockingham and the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank for fresh produce available at no cost to neighbors and community members. 🍎🥬

The Shenandoah Valley Black Heritage Project director will also be there connecting with the community — stop by and say hello!

🗓 3rd Wednesday of every month
⏰ 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 620 Simms Ave, Harrisonburg, VA

The Arc of Harrisonburg and Rockingham is proud to partner with Blue Ridge Area Food Bank to launch a free monthly Community Food Market at the Lucy F. Simms Center beginning this May.

Located in Harrisonburg’s historic Northeast Neighborhood, the Lucy F. Simms Center has long been a place of connection and community. We’re honored to continue that spirit by helping provide access to fresh food and produce items for neighbors and families throughout our area.

🥕 Free fresh food and produce items
🗓 3rd Wednesday of every month
🕙 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 620 Simms Ave, Harrisonburg, VA
🌐 Learn more at https://thearcofhr.org/produce-market/

We hope you’ll help us spread the word by sharing this post with friends, family, neighbors, and community groups who may benefit from this resource.

Together, we can help build a more connected and supported community!

05/20/2026

📚 Now featured in the SVBHP Library: Spell Freedom by Elaine Weiss

A powerful story about literacy, activism, and the fight for voting rights during the Civil Rights Movement.

Stop by the Shenandoah Valley Black Heritage Project library and explore the growing collection.
And stay tuned… a community book club may be coming soon. 👀

05/17/2026

Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom, resilience, community, and culture. ❤️💛💚

Food, fun, games, dancing, and community fellowship as we honor this important part of American history together.

📍 Oakdale Park – Bridgewater
🗓 June 19, 2026
⏰

Juneteenth weekend is underway and there’s no better way to celebrate freedom, culture, community, and joy than together. ❤️🖤💚

Our tradition of celebrating Juneteenth on the day of is staying alive as it honors the day freedom finally reached enslaved Black Americans in Texas in 1865 and reminds us that this holiday carries real history, real resilience, and real joy.

This year marks FIVE YEARS of Juneteenth being a federal holiday and still growing stronger every year. ✨

Pull up to the cookout for good food, great music, games, dancing, and fellowship as we reflect on the history, resilience, and excellence that Juneteenth represents 🔥

📍 Oakdale Park
🗓 Friday, June 19, 2026
⏰ 5PM