The Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) advanced the proposed Patrick Central School marker in the process toward becoming a state highway marker on June 12.
Patrick Central School, a segregated institution that served African American children in Patrick County, operated from 1952 until 1966, when desegregation took place.
During its 14 years of operation, approximately 600 students attended the school. Fourteen teachers and three principals also worked there.
The Patrick County Board of Supervisors approved giving its support for the historical marker at a March meeting.
In a letter to Mary Sawyers, who is leading the effort, DHR Highway Marker Program Manager Jennifer Loux said the actual marker text has not yet been approved.
“In the coming weeks, DHR staff will conduct a detailed fact check of the proposed marker text and will work with you to edit and finalize the draft that will be presented to our Marker Editorial Committee. Our objective will be to cover the most historically significant elements of the topic within the 700-character length limit,” the letter stated.
The goal is to present the final text to the Virginia Board of Historic Resources for official approval on Sept. 18.
As of June 17, Sawyers said she is waiting to speak with DHR staff about finalizing the marker text.
“It’s got to be approved by us and them. We got to cut from what” we submitted. “She’ll (Loux) probably tell us what we need to do. She’ll probably advise us,” she said.
Sawyers said the group is still raising money to have the marker erected. She estimates they’ve raised about $2,500 of the approximately $3,500 needed.
“It’s very exciting. It’s going to be the Black marker in Patrick County, right,” she said.
Those interested in donating to help fund the project can mail checks to Sawyers at 340 North Franklin Road, Mt. Airy, N.C. 27030.
For more information, visit Facebook.com/PatrickCentralSchool-Stuart,Va.
