Much of the African American history in the Shenandoah Valley has perished. Historic churches, schools, business, and homes were erased due to the 1960s Urban Renewal efforts. Early communities lost their homes and financial stability due to unjust laws and economic despair that impacted African American communities. Many of the locations on this tour are not active, are now on private property, are no longer standing and/or the original structures that have undergone major renovations. Our tours reflect these losses.
The Shenandoah Valley Black Heritage Project proudly presents Roots Run Deep: African American History Tours of the Shenandoah Valley. The Roots Run Deep tours provided a free educational experience of documented historical African American sites in the valley. Each self-driving tour features sites such as schools, churches, neighborhoods, cemeteries, and businesses and much more. All tours are available on our website. Physical copies can be found at the SVBHP Heritage Center at 425 Hill St, Harrisonburg, Virginia, 22802.
The Shenandoah Valley Black Heritage Project proudly presents Roots Run Deep: African American History Tours of the Shenandoah Valley. The Roots Run Deep tours provided a free educational experience of documented historical African American sites in the valley. Each self-driving tour features sites such as schools, churches, neighborhoods, cemeteries, and businesses and much more. All tours are available on our website. Physical copies can be found at the SVBHP Heritage Center at 425 Hill St, Harrisonburg, Virginia, 22802.
SVBHP thanks all participants for their interest and time in exploring the African American history in the Shenandoah Valley and assisting in bringing these buried stories to the surface. Please note some may be sites are no longer standing or are on private land. We ask that all areas be respected and all state and local trespassing rules be obeyed.
Feedback on how this tour can be improved and any additional sites is greatly appreciated. The goal of these tours in the Shenandoah Valley is to document history and not to erase or rewrite narratives.
We are half way there. We have funded and created Roots Run Deep tours for half of the Shenandoah Valley. We are actively fundraising to finish the tours for the southern part of the Valley that include Highland, Bath, Rockbridge, Alleghany, Botetourt, Craige and Roanoke counties. Please support SVBHP’s mission by donating today.
Feedback on how this tour can be improved and any additional sites is greatly appreciated. The goal of these tours in the Shenandoah Valley is to document history and not to erase or rewrite narratives.
We are half way there. We have funded and created Roots Run Deep tours for half of the Shenandoah Valley. We are actively fundraising to finish the tours for the southern part of the Valley that include Highland, Bath, Rockbridge, Alleghany, Botetourt, Craige and Roanoke counties. Please support SVBHP’s mission by donating today.
There 7 tours available to explore:
1. Clarke/Warren Counties Tour
2. Frederick County
3. Shenandoah/Page Counties Tour
4. Town of Luray
5. Rockingham County Tour
6. City of Harrisonburg
7. Staunton/Augusta County Tour
1. Clarke/Warren Counties Tour
2. Frederick County
3. Shenandoah/Page Counties Tour
4. Town of Luray
5. Rockingham County Tour
6. City of Harrisonburg
7. Staunton/Augusta County Tour
