Central High Museum Celebrates Opening of New Building 

By Shelley D. Sheets, for the Southside Messenger

CHARLOTTE COURT HOUSE – On Saturday, June 25th, Central High Museum, Inc. had its official Grand Opening. Dr. Hezteine R. Foster, President of the organization, chaired the event which lasted from 10a.m.-6p.m. The day began with a very moving ceremony that included several local “celebrities” including Dr. Odessa Pride, who serves on the Board of Supervisors for Prince Edward County. Dr. Pride was the featured guest speaker and was introduced by Dr. Hezteine R. Foster. Other honored guests included Nancy Leonard, Haywood Hamlett and R.B. Clark, all of whom presented memorable readings. Henry Carwile was also an invited attendee who had the incredible pleasure of introducing Nancy Leonard, Superintendent of Charlotte County Public Schools. Other members of the Charlotte County School Board were in attendance for the day’s celebration.

While speaking with Dr. Foster, she was quite eager to give credit and offer thanks to the Charlotte County Board of Supervisors who made the move of Central High Museum, Inc. financially possible. Although the organization did not move far (the new location is directly next door to the old facility), it definitely was a step up. There is much more space available to display all of the incredible memorabilia Central High Museum has to share. Previously, the historical society’s precious and irreplaceable items were all forced to be on top of one another which made it quite difficult to read certain pieces of literature, view some photographs and/or fully appreciate many of the collectible items that were on display.

 It is estimated that by 2:30 approximately 500 individuals had taken part in the day’s festivities. There was an abundance of fun activities offered for people of all ages. The children filled the playground and had a wonderful time playing all of the games including ring toss, corn hole and balloon pop. Older guests enjoyed shopping from various vendors that had beautiful crafts, paintings and other items for sale. And, just in case someone was interested in registering to vote and had not yet done so, there was a booth on site which was staffed with individuals prepared to provide assistance with completing the application. No matter what age group a person was affiliated with, everyone appeared to enjoy the scrumptious food, ranging from mouthwatering entrees to delicious desserts. DJ J-Rok from Drakes Branch provided an incredible assortment of today’s and yesterday’s music for all to dance to throughout the day. The crowd was also provided the wonderful pleasure of listening to White Oak Grove Mass Choir perform several selections. All in attendance had the opportunity to feel the love of the Lord envelop them as the choir’s sweet harmony drifted through the air. Finally, for everyone’s viewing pleasure, there was an auto show going on all day. There were antique cars, custom trucks and motorcycles all available to see and some to hear… Vrrmm, vrmmm!

Throughout the day, it was noted that many of the guests had on bright blue tee shirts with a color photograph of the new Central High Museum and underneath a simple but powerful comment, “New Beginning for the Millennium.”  The tee shirts are still available for purchase. In addition, donations are continuing to be accepted. If anyone is interested in buying a shirt, making a donation or possibly volunteering at Central High Museum, please contact Dr. Hezteine R. Foster at (434) 248-5719, (434) 665-8492 or jfoster1@hughes.net.

At the end of the day, a guest was overheard to say that he was “happy to see another activity available to fight boredom in Charlotte County.” Surely everyone in the surrounding area will agree with him, both young and old alike.

For more photos of this event, go to http://www.southsidemessengerphotos.shutterfly.com