Events Over the Years 

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2025

Black History Through the Arts: Multiple Mediums, One Story 
Friday, February 21, 2025
Lucy F. Simms Continuing Education Center 

SVBHP  hosted an art showcase featuring local artistic talent and members from James Madison University School of Music to celebrate Black History Month. 

Virtual Genealogy Workshop 
Wednesday, February 12, 2025
​​Zoom 

SVBHP hosted a beginner's friendly virtual genealogy workshop to share resources to getting started on researching one's family history. 

Round Up For Change 
Sunday, February 2, 2025 to Saturday, February 8, 2025
Friendly City Food Co-op 

For one week in February, customers at the Friendly City Food Co-op rounded up their purchase to donate to SVBHP. The Co-op then matched 25% of the total. We are grateful for the opportunity and support!

Co-op Learning 
Sunday, February 2, 2025 
Friendly City Food Co-op 

SVBHP’s Executive Director, Monica Robinson,  gave a special presentation exploring the stores behind the Friendly City Food Co-op cafe exhibit and how this history ties to broader Shenandoah Valley narratives. 

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2024

Heritage Center Open House
Thursday, December 5 & 12, 2024 
​SVBHP Heritage Center 

SVBHP held an open house Thursday, December 5 & Thursday, December 12 for the community to visit our Heritage Center to explore and learn what we have to offer. We had refreshments of  a hot beverage and a sweet treat will be served hot and ready. The turn out was spectacular!

Essentials Drive for First Step
November 15, 2024 -  December 15, 2024
​SVBHP Heritage Center

SVBHP collected needed items for First Step For over 40 years, First Step provides free services and shelter to all survivors of domestic and dating violence from Harrisonburg and Rockingham County. Their mission is to empower survivors to break the cycle of violence and abuse in their lives.

African American Schools, Poetry, and an Historic Eye Witness Account 
Saturday, November 2, 2024 
The Douglas School

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2023

Annual Honoring Shenandoah Valley Soul Food History and Chefs
Saturday, October 14, 2024 
Lucy F. Simms Continuing Education Center 

Roots Run Deep Tours Launch Event 
Saturday, April 29th, 2023 
Several Locations 

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2022

Annual Honoring Shenandoah Valley Soul Food History and Chefs

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2020

Annual Honoring Shenandoah Valley Soul Food History and Chefs
November 20, 2020 
SVBHP Heritage Center 

What a wonderful event! We sold 114 meals, paid for our event and made about $1000.00 for our programs. We honored   eight wonderful Chefs:  Bethany Johnson Veney, Mary Francis Banks, Charles Robinson, Theodore R. Tolliver, Fay Wright Gaines, Isaiah "Mike" Brown, Evelyn Johnson Veney, and Barbara Tolliver.  Many Thanks to all who purchased meals and especially those who purchased meals for the community.  We gave away a dozen meals to two honorees and to seniors, shut in due to the virus. They were so happy to get a delicious meal and to be remembered. ​

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2019

Honoring Shenandoah Valley's Soul Food History and Chefs
August 3rd, 2019
Belle Grove Plantation
                   

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2014

             "Zenda's Homecoming" was performed on March 14th at 4:00pm at Simms as a part of the Harrisonburg Parks and Recreation Black History Month Program.  
We had a full house + and a standing ovation!!