The James Wilson Kilby African American Museum has opened its doors in Warren County, Virginia. This historic museum honors the life and legacy of James Wilson Kilby, a local activist who played a key role in desegregating Warren County High School in the 1950s.
Kilby’s youngest daughter, Patricia Kilby-Robb, led efforts to establish the museum. It stands as a testament to her father’s fight for justice and equality.
A Legacy of Education and Justice
James Wilson Kilby dedicated his life to securing equal educational opportunities for Black children in Warren County. In the 1950s, no schools in the county would accept Black students beyond the seventh grade.
Kilby, along with other parents and the NAACP, sued the county to challenge this injustice. A judge eventually ordered Warren County High School to admit Black students. However, Governor J. Lindsay Almond shut the school down to resist integration.
Despite threats and violence, Kilby’s children entered the school in 1959. Bullet holes and burning crosses on their property reminded the family of the cost of their courage.
Building a Museum to Tell His Story
Kilby wanted future generations to remember the sacrifices made during the civil rights movement. In 2000, he co-wrote a memoir with his daughter, Patricia Kilby-Robb, to document his experiences.
After Kilby’s passing in 2003, Kilby-Robb carried on his mission. She and her husband established the James Wilson Kilby African American Museum and Education Center at their family home. The museum shares the story of her parents’ fight for justice and celebrates the resilience of the Black community in Warren County.
A Community’s History Preserved
The museum features documents, photographs, and memories from families in the local community. It provides a space for reflection and education about the struggles for civil rights in the area.
Visitors can learn about Kilby’s activism and the broader history of Warren County’s African American community. The museum is open by appointment and serves as a vital educational resource for the region.
A Legacy That Lives On
James Wilson Kilby’s fight for equality laid the groundwork for future generations. His determination to secure educational opportunities for his children and others continues to inspire.
The opening of the museum ensures that his story and the sacrifices of so many others are never forgotten. As Patricia Kilby-Robb said, “We must remember the past to shape a better future.”
