Memorabilia sought for museum of Beach's first black high school

VIRGINIA BEACH

Although the first high school for black students in Virginia Beach has been demolished, former students want it to live on in a museum display.

T hey are gathering memorabilia today and Thursday from former students and teachers at the Princess Anne County Training School/Union Kempsville High School.

The museum, scheduled to open in 2010, will be housed inside the Renaissance Academy, an alternative school being built on the site.

Items such as photos, yearbooks, athletic sweaters and uniforms, trophies, and class rings will help the museum provide a detailed history of the school.

Beginning in 1938, the Princess Anne County Training School prepared black Beach youngsters for college and careers. It became Union Kempsville High School in 1961 and closed in 1969 after integration. It was torn down last summer as construction began on the Renaissance Academy.

Items can be dropped off from 1 to 3 p.m. today and

6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday at Virginia Beach Central Academy, 273 N. Witchduck Road. The school is north of the former Union Kempsville site.

Donors will be asked to provide information on their artifacts, which will be stored until the museum opens.