Virginia Randolph Cottage facts for kids
The Virginia Randolph Cottage, now known as the Virginia E. Randolph Museum, is a special museum in Glen Allen, Virginia. It's located at 2200 Mountain Road. This museum tells the story of Virginia E. Randolph (1874–1958). She was an amazing African-American teacher who taught practical skills for jobs in this area for 55 years. The building itself was built in 1937. It used to be where Randolph taught classes like cooking and sewing. In 1974, this building was named a National Historic Landmark. This honor recognized her important work in training other teachers of practical skills. Virginia Randolph herself is buried right on the museum grounds.
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Virginia Randolph Cottage
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c. 1984 HABS photo
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 Location in Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Location | 2200 Mountain Rd., Glen Allen, Virginia |
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| Built | 1937 |
| NRHP reference No. | 74002126 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | December 2, 1974 |
| Designated NHL | December 2, 1974 |
Contents
About the Virginia Randolph Museum
The Virginia Randolph Museum is found east of Glen Allen. It sits on the north side of Mountain Road. It's very close to the main buildings of the Academy at Virginia Randolph. This academy is part of the Henrico County public schools.
The Museum Building
The museum building is a single-story house. It is made of brick and has a pointed roof. Three small windows stick out from the roof. The building was constructed in 1937. It received help from federal government money. Inside, the rooms have been changed to work better as a museum.
The Legacy of Virginia E. Randolph
Virginia E. Randolph was born to parents who were formerly enslaved. She became a teacher early in her life. In 1908, the school supervisor in Henrico County chose her for a special job. She was asked to create a new program. This program would train and guide teachers of practical skills.
Spreading Her Teaching Methods
Virginia Randolph developed her teaching ideas in Henrico County. Her methods and plans became very successful. They were supported by the Jeanes Foundation. Because of this, her teaching approach was used widely. It even spread to other countries.
Randolph's Continued Work
Randolph kept teaching in the Henrico County schools. She taught until she retired in 1949. The building that is now the museum was her home economics classroom. She even had an office there. This building was used for teaching until 1969-1970. After that, the county turned it into a museum. It was created to honor Virginia Randolph and her amazing contributions. Her grave is located nearby.
See also
