Built By Community. Held For Community.
A spacious 9,138 sq. ft. venue raised by hand by the local African American community — and still the gathering place for birthday parties, family reunions, dances, and celebrations of every kind.
A Legacy Built
By Community
More Than a Building It's Home
The Cumberland Community Center is a spacious 9,138 square foot venue perfect for hosting social and recreational events. Community members and residents of surrounding counties frequently rent the center for birthday parties, baby showers, dances, cruise-ins, family reunions, and community appreciation or educational events.
- The only public-use building in New Kent County — aside from churches — owned by African Americans
- Located on New Kent Highway (Route 249) at its intersection with Cooks Mill Road, about three-fourths of a mile east of the New Kent County Government Complex
- Ample on-site parking, a kitchen with an oven, refrigerator and microwave, 175 chairs, four 8-foot tables and sixteen 6-foot tables, adjustable lighting and ceiling fans
- 9,138 square feet on a 2.27-acre triangular parcel
Built From Rosenwald Roots
The Cumberland Community Center stands on land with a story that stretches back nearly a century — from a two-room schoolhouse for African American children to a gathering place raised board by board through the sacrifice of the local community.
1928 — The Rosenwald School
A two-room schoolhouse is built to serve African American elementary students living east of New Kent Courthouse toward West Point. Of the $3,399 total cost, the Rosenwald Fund gave $500, the county school board gave $2,099, and the local community raised $800 — matching the Rosenwald Foundation's required community contribution.
1958 — Trustees Take Ownership
On September 3, 1958, the school and land are sold at auction and purchased by Trustees Robert Abrams, Jr., Sterling Brown, Cecil Garner, Andrew Woodson, and Meaco Woodson (represented at the sale by John C. Brown), who convert it into a community center used for civic, educational, religious, and recreational activities.
1968 — Lost to Arson
After serving for nearly a decade as a safe meeting place for African American residents during segregation, the modified schoolhouse is destroyed by arson.
1970 — Rebuilt by the Community
Despite modest means, the Trustees and the African American community donate money, time, materials, and labor to construct the current Cumberland Community Center, securing a gathering place for generations to come.
The center was built by hand, evening after evening, by community members after their day jobs ended. Herman and Curtis Lemmons, Gus Holmes, and Alexander Baines laid the foundation and concrete block work. Leroy James Crump built the concrete steps out front. Robert Crump, Sr. and Charles Moss served as the principal carpenters and contractors. Rufus Crump and many volunteers worked construction through the evenings, and Samuel Crump, an electrician and plumber, installed the heating system.
Recognized for Its History
The Cumberland Community Center meets National Register of Historic Places Criterion A (History) for its association with Black history and the desegregation of public schools in New Kent County, Virginia, as determined by the Virginia Department of Historic Resources. The Cumberland Community Center Association has completed the nomination form for inclusion in the National Register and placement of a historical marker.
Upcoming Events
Join us for community gatherings, fundraisers, and celebrations at the Cumberland Community Center. Check back for the latest dates and details.
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Host Your Next Celebration Here
Community members and residents of surrounding counties frequently rent the center for events of every kind, with ample onsite parking for guests.
Birthday Parties
Celebrate another year with family and friends in a space that's hosted generations of birthdays.
Baby Showers
Welcome a new arrival in a warm, community-centered setting with plenty of room to gather.
Dances
From community dances to celebrations with live music, the space comes alive on the dance floor.
Family Reunions
Bring generations together under one roof for a reunion to remember.
Community & Educational Events
Host appreciation gatherings, workshops, and educational events for the community.
Community Impact
- Sponsored a Community Toy Drive
- Sponsored a Founders Day Community Thank You Dinner
- Will feed 2 families for Thanksgiving and 2 for Christmas
- Holding a sock drive to donate to Cumberland Hospital
We'd Love to Hear from You
Interested in renting the Cumberland Community Center for your next celebration or event? Reach out and we'll help you plan.
New Kent County, VA — about ¾ mile east of the New Kent County Government Complex