In January 2010 when the new Renaissance Academy opens its doors, it will include a museum commemorating the contributions of the Princess Anne County Training School/Union Kempsville High School, the city’s secondary school for African American students prior to integration. However, interested parties have an opportunity to get a sneak peek now through the launch of a new Web page dedicated to the historical significance of this school and as a salute to African American History Month in February.

 The Princess Anne County Training School/Union Kempsville High School page (www.vbschools.com/PACTS-UKHS) includes video interviews of former students, a brief history of the school and photographs from various eras, including pictures of graduating classes.  It also features an opportunity for former students to write and submit memories from their school years. Those who may be looking for a guest speaker on the subject of Princess Anne County Training School/Union Kempsville High School for a class, club or special event may submit a request from this page.

School officials will update the page with new video interviews and photographs on a monthly basis. For the past two years, former students and faculty of Princess Anne County Training School/Union Kempsville High School have been working with the school system to make the museum a reality. They have donated such items as homecoming crowns, athletic letters, books, drums, and a band director’s uniform – to name a few.

Offered for the “colored children” of Princess Anne County, the Princess
Anne County Training School was created in 1934 by the Princess Anne County Training School Association, a group of black parents and business people who wanted better educational opportunities for children. They built a small school building and in later years expanded the facility. In 1962 the school was renamed Union Kempsville High School. Integration resulted in its closure in 1969. The school division later used the building to house the Center for Effective Learning, an alternative program for middle school children.

Princess Anne County Training School/Union Kempsville High School alumni revisited their school site in June 2007 during The Last Walk celebration. Afterwards, the building was razed to make way for the Renaissance Academy, a new $65 million facility that will house the school division’s secondary alternative programs.

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