The Henderson Institute Historical Museum will reopen

April 22 – HENDERSON – The Henderson Institute Historical Museum will reopen on May 3 after a two-year closure caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Karen Johnson, co-chair of the museum’s communications committee, said she has received many requests to reopen the museum.

From the week of May 3, the museum will be open every week on Tuesdays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Thursdays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Previously, the museum was open to the public one day a week and on special occasions.

Groups of 10 or more wishing to visit the museum must call 252-430-0616 and leave a message and their contact information at least 48 hours before the desired date of the visit. A Henderson Institute representative will contact you to help arrange the visit.

The museum will be staffed by volunteers, Johnson said, adding that they are “looking to appoint a director in the future.”

For 10 years, Edna Scott served as the museum’s curator, before stepping down in 2021 to accept an appointment for Warren County Commissioners.

The museum is supported by the Henderson Institute Graduates and Former Students Association Inc., a non-profit organization.

The Henderson Institute was founded in 1887 and served as the primary educational facility for African Americans in Vance County until it closed in 1970. The multi-building campus facilities have fallen into disuse and most assets have been allocated to other uses.

In 1986, the Vance County School Board turned over the old library and science building to the Henderson Institute Graduate and Alumni Association, which established the Henderson Institute Historical Museum in the city. ‘establishment.

The museum is dedicated to the preservation of oral and written records, books, photographs, and artifacts documenting the history of the Henderson Institute and the accomplishments of its former students. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.