Counter Ridge History Project
The Counter Ridge History Project is an effort to preserve and share the history of the Counter Ridge School and the community it served. Built by Bedford County and designed by noted local architect Stanhope Johnson, the school once stood at the center of life for generations of African-American families in the area. Today, the building is home to the Sedalia Center. Through this project, Sedalia is working to reconnect with that history by gathering stories, memories, and reflections from the people whose lives were shaped by the school and the surrounding community.
Counter Ridge Stories
2023 Juneteenth
Saturday, June 17, 2023 Gates open at Noon FREE EVENT NO PETS and NO COOLERS are allowed in the festival area. PUT A LITTLE LOVE IN YOUR HEART Featuring Guest Speaker: Former Lynchburg Mayor Treney Tweedy Teasley Tai ChiPoetry and Song on the Counter Ridge...
History of Bluegrass at The Sedalia Center
Dr. William O. McCabe Jr. was a family physician in Forest, VA, and a native of Bedford County. He always loved Bluegrass, and in the 1970s, when his sons were playing, the family hosted Saturday evening sessions on their back porch. The gatherings grew, and local...
Reconnecting Sedalia – The Counter Ridge History Project
An introductory documentary-style film featuring 2 interviews. One of Mrs. Mary O. Patterson, a former teacher of the original 1919 Counterdidge School, and Mr. Billy Willams, a former bus driver for Counter Ridge Elementary School. This video is a part of the Sedalia...
“A Candid Conversation w/ Mrs. June Jackson” – The Counter Ridge History Project
An oral history interview featuring Mrs. June Jackson, a former teacher at Counter Ridge Elementary School. This interview is a part of the Sedalia Center and their Counter Ridge History Project.https://youtu.be/MtXHKQOlWmU Learn More
Rita Otey Interview – The Counter Ridge History Project
An oral history interview featuring Rita B. Otey, a Native of Bedford, Virginia and daughter of former principal of Counter Ridge Elementary School. This interview is a part of the Sedalia Center and their Counter Ridge History Project.https://youtu.be/7DhD9_OH_Os...
2022 Juneteenth
2022 Juneteenth Saturday June 18, 2022 You Don't Want to Miss Gospel music from Infinite Praise and the Sharon Missionary Baptist Church choirs.Sheron's African dance troupe and Kuumba Dance Ensemble.Performances, led by Sheron Simpson and Jesse TeasleyArtists...
Reconnecting Sedalia: Remembering Counter Ridge School – Art Exhibit
Artwork by Veronica DeLuz, Lovin Life, 2019. Acrylic on canvas, 9 x 12 in. Image courtesy of the artist. Featuring Artwork by: Veronica DeLuzeMichelline HallClinton HelmsEric KjesethBenita MayoDonald ParkerClyde L. Trent Curated by: Veronica Jackson Exhibition On...
2021 ReConnecting Sedalia
June 19, 2021 11:30am - 8pm FREE EVENT!!! Join Us for - Music, Art, Theater Free Open House event to celebrate the launching of the Counter Ridge History Project to recover the history of the site and the Sedalia settlement in general. The day will feature the opening...
Re Connecting Sedalia 2021 – Event Schedule
Event Date- June 19th, 2021 11:30 am Welcome & Opening Prayers in the Pavilion 11:45 am Sharon Missionary Baptist Church Inspirational Choir & Infinite Praise 12:45 pm Opening of African American Art Exhibition: Reconnecting Sedalia 1:00 pm Dedication of...
Our Founders Doc and Annis McCabe
Annis and Bill McCabe were ordinary people who chose to pursue extraordinary possibilities. Having met in college and married upon graduation, they began a life together that seemed unremarkable. As young physician born and raised in Thaxton, Virginia, “Doc”...
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