Pocahontas Island Black History Museum, Petersburg

THIS IS A MUST SEE!!! Amazing visit to the oldest AA community in America!!! A museum ran by a wonderful man!!! I cannot begin to discuss how much I learned and the feeling I got walking down Witten Street. There was an article written about museum and it stated that Mr. Richard Stewart has over 8,500 years of history under one roof. The oldest home (brick) there was built in 1810 and is still standing. There is also one built in 1830. Mr. Stewart created and maintains every aspect of museum even cutting grass etc. He is very passionate about Pocahontas Island and it’s rich history. He has all Troyes of visitors; Presidents, lawyers, historians, and people like me who embraces and love African history and roots. I was informed about museum while in downtown Richmond. I wish I had known earlier because I definitely didn’t have enough time to take in all that was in front of me. I highly recommend that you visit this museum if in the Richmond area. If you call and don’t get an answer, just do as I did and drive to area and walk around. Lucky for me as I walked down Witten Street, I saw Mr. Stewart enter museum. He was nice enough to give me an impromptu tour. I definitely plan to return and spend more time at museum. We had a great conversation and he said I was the 2nd visitor from MS. Somehow the picture those further north have of us (AA’s in MS) is that we are uneducated people who still live lives similar to those on plantation. 🤔 I did donate to museum because what Mr. Stewart has done and is doing to preserve history is commendable. This very important part of history must be kept alive!!!

I am so grateful to Mr Stewart for taking the time to chat with me about both his collection and his historical analysis. I was lucky to catch him before he went into town for the afternoon and I'm really glad that I stopped by on my road trip south. Make sure to check this place out and leave a donation

First black community still in existence during the civil war! Better signs how to get there,and big city warehouse needs to be fixed or torn down!! Needs help in restoring some of the Historical buildings!! More lighting needed!!!!

An important collection. The museum owner, Richard, greeted us on the front porch and told us stories about the history of the area (and of his own family). A house full of documents and artifacts from many periods of American history. Warm, friendly, wonderfully informative.

This is American History, This is our Black American Experience. Mr Stewart is very Knowledgeable. If you’re into your Genealogy & Family History this place is very important especially if your people have ties to Virginia