Did you know that a historic landmark of Black culture and education has been sitting right in the heart of Charlottesville for more than 100 years?
You've probably heard "Jefferson School" used a few different ways, and it's easy to mix up which part someone means. It's one building with a layered story: the historic school, the City Center it became, the Heritage Center inside it, and the Foundation that holds it all together. Here's how it all fits together—and what you can experience when you visit.
The story of the Jefferson School starts in 1865, when a Freedmen's school opened in Charlottesville during the Reconstruction era. It later grew into an elementary school that served students through seventh grade. For years, community members petitioned the City for expanded educational opportunities and finally, in 1926, Jefferson High School opened as Charlottesville's first high school for Black students.
The high school became an important center of education and opportunity for Charlottesville's Black community. Its alumni went on to become teachers, coaches, community leaders, and even NFL stars. In 2007, the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places, recognizing its significance to the history of Charlottesville and Virginia.
In 2013, Jefferson High School reopened as the Jefferson School City Center, a working, multi-use space where history, culture, education, recreation, and everyday community life share the same address. The City Center houses Carver Recreation Center, PVCC culinary classes, the first-floor art exhibit "Sanctuary of Soul," and more. It is also available for meetings and events, making it a place to experience rather than simply a historic site to look at from the outside. Hungry while you're there? Order Up Eatery is open right in the building for lunch, Wing Wednesday, and Fish Friday specials.
That's part of what makes Jefferson School distinctive: its history isn't separated from the present. It's still an active part of Charlottesville.
In the original 1926 wing, you’ll find the Jefferson School African American Heritage, or JSAAHC. Its permanent exhibition, "Pride Overcomes Prejudice," tells the school's story through alumni voices, and it’s never the only thing on view: the rotating contemporary art gallery regularly updates with new installations, so there's always a reason to come back and see something different.
JSAAHC also hosts lectures, musical performances, films, educational programs, and other public events. Its Center for Local Knowledge provides genealogy resources and supports research into Charlottesville and Albemarle history.
For visitors, there are several ways to experience the Center. Explore the exhibitions independently with the free ‘JSAAHC’ audio app or arrange a guided tour. While you’re there, stop by the museum shop and café. Check the events calendar for what's currently on view or coming up, from exhibit openings to lectures and film screenings.
Behind the Jefferson School City Center is the Jefferson School Foundation, the nonprofit organization that owns, manages, and helps preserve this historic community landmark. The Foundation oversees the building and its diverse community of tenants while creating opportunities for Jefferson School to remain an active gathering place for Charlottesville.
Through community partnerships, arts and cultural initiatives, wellness programming, special events, and access to shared spaces, the Foundation connects the history of Jefferson School with the needs of the community today. Executive Director Kimberly Sheffield describes Jefferson School using words generations of alumni have long understood: “a safe haven and a place where community belongs.”
Planning something of your own? The Foundation also makes meeting and event spaces available to community organizations, businesses, and residents, including conference rooms and larger indoor and outdoor gathering spaces.
More than a century after its story began, the Jefferson School is still doing what it was built to do: bringing people together. Start your visit at the Jefferson School African American Heritage Center to explore its permanent and contemporary exhibitions, or check the Center's calendar for lectures, performances, films, and other programs. And if you're inspired to explore more of the city's Black history and culture, continue your visit with A Weekend of Black Culture in Charlottesville, a guide to more places, stories, and experiences to discover throughout Charlottesville.
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