Jefferson School African American Heritage Center

The Jefferson School African American Heritage Center is an event driven institution.  It takes approximately 6,000 volunteer hours to accomplish our annual goal of bringing programs to our community that diversify our cultural landscape.  Volunteers work individually or in groups, performing a variety of duties and are needed for weekday, evening and weekend events year round.

Diversifying

Throughout the year we offer monthly lectures, films and performances.  We offer four temporary exhibitions featuring the work of African American/ Diaspora artists and our permanent exhibition Pride Overcomes Prejudice that tells the story of the Jefferson School.

Our needs include:

• Visitor Services
• Event Bartenders
• Concession/ticket collectors
• Writers
• Food Preparers
• Security
• Docents
• Audio/video techs

Making History

The Isabella Gibbon Local History Center facilitates the study of Jefferson School and local Charlottesville-Albemarle history.  Volunteers provide research assistance to patrons.  The Isabella Gibbons Local History Center is open 10-6 Tuesday-Friday and 10-3 on Saturday.

Getting the Word Out

Help us promote our events through social media, hanging posters and handing out leaflets. If you have a flare for design we could use your graphic skills as well.

Setting up and Breaking Down

The Heritage Center auditorium seats as many as 300– setting up and breaking down for each event takes about 3 hours.  We also need help installing and de-installing our temporary exhibitions.  Volunteers must be able to lift up to 50lbs.

Keeping it Going

Our behind the scenes administrative departments such as exhibitions, public programs, advancement, information technology, trips and membership keep the Heritage Center running.  Volunteers in these areas are granted a behind-the-scenes look at how the Heritage Center develops and grows. Volunteer opportunities are available Tuesday-Friday 10-6pm, Saturday 10-3pm and as needed for special events.

Perks

While our volunteers are not compensated financially, the rewards they receive are culturally enriching:
~ The opportunity to meet with others who share your fascination with history and the arts
~ Invitation to Heritage Center member events
~ Exposure to world-renowned artists and scholars
~ Discounts on ticketed events, publications and trips

The Heritage Center is committed to creating an environment in which people of diverse backgrounds are welcome and valued.  It is the Center’s objective to recruit a team of volunteers that reflects the broad constituency we strive to serve.

Located in the Jefferson School City Center, The Jefferson School African American Heritage Center’s mission is to honor and preserve the rich heritage and legacy of the African-American community of Charlottesville-Albemarle, Virginia and to promote a greater appreciation for, and understanding of, the contributions of African Americans and peoples of the Diaspora locally, nationally and globally.