The James City Historical Society (JCHS) announces the launch of its new
project, “Created Equal: From Bondage to Freedom in James City.” The
project explores the history of the James City community from the
American Revolution to the present. Focusing on the words “created
equal” in the Declaration of Independence, the project honors how African Americans have fought to fulfill that promise of equality both nationally and locally. It consists of two parts: a traveling and a digital exhibit.

JCHS will host a reception to open the traveling exhibit on Sunday, Feb. 2
from noon to 3 p.m. at Pilgrim Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, in the
Annex located at 313 Elder St. in James City. The digital exhibit will
be available online in late February, featuring a story map and digital
archive that chronicles the history of the Civil War in Eastern NC and
the formation of James City. Dr. Joshua Strayhorn, Project Scholar,
will give a presentation on the digital exhibit and the larger project
on Saturday, February 22 at 3 p.m in Orringer Auditorium at Craven
Community College. Admission is free, and the event is co-sponsored by
the Craven Community College Lifetime Learning Center.