PACTS/UKHS Museum

Princess Anne County Training School/Union Kempsville High School Museum: A Legacy of Education, Determination and Community

Princess Anne County Training School was the first high school for African American students in Princess Anne County, now Virginia Beach. Today, the Princess Anne County Training School/Union Kempsville High School Museum (PACTS/UKHS Museum) preserves and shares stories of family, community, sacrifice, achievement and the enduring importance of education. 

Adult and Child at the PACTS Museum

PACTS/UKHS Museum

Discover the PACTS/UKHS Museum

Its story grew from the determination of the African American community in the 1920s and 1930s to create greater educational opportunities for their children. Community members raised money to purchase land and support a school, and after years of advocacy, a four-classroom high school opened in 1938. 

As enrollment grew, the school expanded. In 1962, Princess Anne County Training School became Union Kempsville High School. The school educated generations of students before graduating its final class in 1969 as Virginia Beach schools integrated. 

Experience the Museum 

Located inside Virginia Beach City Public Schools’ Renaissance Academy, the museum brings this history to life through photographs, artifacts, yearbooks, personal stories and objects connected to generations of students and educators. The museum is open for free self-guided visits on Saturdays.

Princess Anne County Training School/Union Kempsville High School Museum Tours:

The Princess Anne County Training School/Union Kempsville High School Museum (PACTS/UKHS) offers FREE, self-guided tours on Saturdays from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. There is no need to register in advance for self-guided tours, but if you would like a guided tour, please call 757-385-5100, or email vbhistory@vbgov.com , to confirm guided tour availability. 

Visiting PACTS/UKHS Museum

Hours:

  • Monday-Friday: CLOSED
  • Saturday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
  • Sunday: CLOSED

Closed on City of Virginia Beach holidays.

Admission:

Admission is free for self-guided tours. No advance registration is required. Guided tours are available by arrangement. 

Self-guided tours are free and do not require advance registration. Visitors who would like a guided tour should contact Virginia Beach History Museums to confirm staff availability and schedule a visit. For guided tours, call 757-385-5100, or email vbhistory@vbgov.com .

The museum continues to serve as a place for learning, reflection and community connection. Special programs, partnerships and events build on the stories preserved at PACTS/UKHS and connect the school’s legacy with new generations. 

View Upcoming Programs & Events

Schools, youth organizations, community groups and other visitors are invited to explore the museum’s history through guided and self-guided experiences. Contact Virginia Beach History Museums to discuss group visits and educational opportunities. 

Learn About Group Visits

The Princess Anne County Training School/Union Kempsville High School Alumni and Friends Association continues to preserve, celebrate and share the legacy of the school and its alumni. 

Visit the Alumni & Friends Association

Hear directly from the people and community connected to the history of PACTS/UKHS through video oral histories of living school alumni. Can’t make it to the museum, or want to learn more before your visit? Enjoy a video tour of PACTS/UKHS Museum . 

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Keep up with programs, events and stories from the PACTS/UKHS Museum and Virginia Beach History Museums. 

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PACTS/UKHS Gallery

Kid's Corner

Download the PACTS/UKHS Museum coloring page for a FREE, fun kids' activity!

Start Coloring!