Moton Museum Pavilion and Parking Addition

The Robert Russa Moton Museum received grants from the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and the Virginia Tobacco Commission for the construction of a pavilion and multi-purpose parking lot located on the site of the museum. As the Moton Museum completed their preparations for the museum’s permanent exhibit, the visitation to the museum significantly increased and the pavilion and multi-purpose parking lot construction project was needed to provide adequate space and services for the enhancement of the visitor’s experience.

Moton High School was the scene of a 1951 walkout due to overcrowding and inferior facilities. Students sued the County and the case was rolled into Brown v. Board of Education, which ruled that segregation in public schools was unconstitutional.R.R. Moton High School in Prince Edward County was opened in 1939 as a school for African-Americans. Within just a few years, the school was overcrowded. Temporary buildings covered in roofing material were built by the county. These structures were known as “tarpaper shacks.”

The significant feature of this project is a 2,000 square foot pavilion with a kiosk, interpretive panels and signage, restrooms and a water fountain, a catering kitchen and office space. This pavilion was designed in the form reminiscent of the tarpaper shacks that once stood on the school site.

The multi-purpose parking lot includes a bus pull-off and such amenities as benches, lighting, and trash cans.