Photos and Post by Bruce Monroe
On the cold and windy afternoon of February 16, the Orange County African American Historical Society held its annual membership meeting at the Arts Center in Orange. This year’s gathering was particularly special, marking the organization’s 25th anniversary.
This year’s gathering was particularly special, marking the organization’s 25th anniversary. President Bruce Monroe took a moment to recognize two founding members: Rebecca Coleman and the late Carolyn French. A key item on the agenda was the presentation and approval of the Board of Directors for the 2025 term.
This meeting also marked a significant transition, as president Monroe presided over his final annual gathering. The Board of Directors selected Mary Freeman to fill the position of president, and she graciously accepted the appointment. The board also named Pa’trice Day-Owens vice president and approved the nomination to the board of Denise Thompson.
Monroe expressed his gratitude for the support he has received during his tenure and encouraged members to extend the same level of cooperation to Freeman as she leads the organization into the future. This year’s special presentations featured distinguished guest speakers who provided powerful insights into African American history and heritage.
Jennifer Hurst-Wender, Executive Director of Historic Germanna, and Kelly Arford-Horne, Archaeology Site Director, shared their research on the enslaved Gordons, detailing their remarkable journey to freedom and eventual emigration to Liberia.
Montpelier Descendants Committee Executive Director, Greg Monroe Jr. (left) with outgoing OCAAHS president Bruce Monroe.
Additionally, George Monroe, Jr., Executive Director of the Montpelier Descendants Committee, joined Dr. Andrea Roberts from the UVA Center for Cultural Landscapes to present an innovative digital mapping project. Their work offers a groundbreaking approach to preserving African American history.
With new leadership and exciting projects on the horizon, the Orange County African American Historical Society continues to honor the past while building a brighter future. For a recording of the livestream of the annual meeting, click here: OCAAHS2025 Annual Meeting. Editor’s Note: Mary Freeman was the subject of a Memories Oral History episode
Click here to view: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4TS5Px5JdUg