A Legacy of Learning and Resilience

Honoring Reverend Stephen James Ellis' dedication and resilience, we provide education and inspire progress within Buckingham's community with the same facilities built over 100 years ago.

Explore our historic renovations

Behind the Name

In the early to mid-1900s, education for African American students in the county was centered on job training. Boys learned trades, while girls were taught homemaking, cooking, and child-rearing.

White policymakers and philanthropists supported this approach, using it to maintain the existing social order while supplying workers for local industries.

1924 - Opening

Buckingham Training School was constructed per Rosenwald School plans and is Buckingham County’s first African American high school.

1932

The Buckingham Training School Shop Building was constructed. Funded by the Rosenwald program, it was one of only 11 in Virginia and 163 nationwide. The building provided space for training male students in agriculture and skilled trades.

1954

Buckingham Training School closed down and then reopened as the Steven J. Ellis Elementary School in honor of Reverend Ellis.

2007

Ellis Acres memorial Park became Ellis Acres Park, Inc.

2015

Buckingham Training School Campus listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

2024

100 years of supporting the community!

Currently

Continuing to evolve and support the community and aiming to provide more facilities to serve the community for future generations.

Continue the legacy

Your donation fuels our programs, preserves our historic buildings, and drives essential renovations. Together, we’re creating a lasting legacy and empowering future generations.

Donate today