The Harrison Museum of African American Culture will bring one of Virginia’s most compelling historical exhibitions to Roanoke this summer with Un/Bound, an exhibition exploring the lives, struggles, achievements, and resilience of free Black Virginians from the arrival of the first Africans in 1619 through the Civil War.
On display from July 14 through August 24, Un/Bound examines the experiences of free Black individuals and families who navigated life within a slaveholding society while building businesses, churches, schools, communities, and traditions that helped shape Virginia’s history.
Developed by the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, the exhibition invites visitors to reconsider common assumptions about Black life before emancipation and highlights stories of determination, self-determination, entrepreneurship, faith, and community building. Through historical documents, personal narratives, artifacts, and interpretive displays, Un/Bound offers a deeper understanding of a complex and often overlooked chapter of American history.
To further connect statewide history to the Roanoke region, the Harrison Museum will incorporate local context and interpretation that highlights the experiences and contributions of Black communities in Southwest Virginia.
“Un/Bound challenges many assumptions about Black life before the Civil War,” said Eric Beasley, Chair of the Harrison Museum Board of Directors. “These stories reveal resilience, entrepreneurship, family, faith, and community-building. Bringing this exhibition to Roanoke allows us to connect Virginia’s broader history with the stories that shaped our own region while encouraging important conversations about freedom, citizenship, and belonging.”
The exhibition is made possible through the generous support of Woodland Hills Senior Living Community, Roanoke native William H. Fralin Jr., and the Virginia Museum of History & Culture. Their support reflects a shared commitment to education, cultural preservation, and expanding access to meaningful historical experiences throughout the region.
Prior to the public opening, residents of Woodland Hills and invited guests will receive a private preview of the exhibition. As part of Woodland Hills’ RUI University Lifelong Learning initiative, the Harrison Museum will also provide educational programming and discussions exploring themes presented in the exhibit. These sessions will be open to both the residents of Woodland Hills and members of the broader community.
“Lifelong learning is a cornerstone of our programming at Woodland Hills,” said Kennedy Flynn, Executive Director of Woodland Hills Senior Living. “This partnership allows us to share an important and powerful history while ensuring that these stories remain accessible across generations.”
The exhibition represents another milestone in the Harrison Museum’s growing partnerships with leading cultural institutions across the Commonwealth and reflects the museum’s commitment to bringing significant African American history and culture to Southwest Virginia.
Un/Bound continues the Harrison Museum’s mission of preserving, interpreting, and sharing the stories of African Americans while creating opportunities for dialogue, learning, and community engagement.
Harrison Museum is located at 2502 Melrose Ave. NW. For museum hours, admission information, and upcoming exhibit-related programs, visit www.harrisonmuseum.com or contact [email protected]
