This is one of Spotsylvania County’s exceptional attractions, and the only museum of its kind in the Rappahannock region. The museum is named after John J. Wright, the man who organized a community of black Baptist churches in 1905 to focus on developing high school education.

Exhibits

The permanent exhibit tells the history of African American education in Spotsylvania, while its rotating exhibits explore subjects that impact all County residents. A comparative historical approach shows events through time, making them relevant to every visitor who comes through the doors.

Do you have an idea for an exhibit, a photograph or artifact to donate, some information to add to the existing collections or a question about our collections? Do you want to volunteer? Email the Executive Director.

Mission

The museum’s mission is to celebrate Spotsylvania’s one-of-a-kind character by collaborating with like-minded individuals and organizations to collect, archive, share and facilitate learning about the interactive history of the education, culture and civic life of the County’s African American citizens. Doing so demonstrates how those interactions within the wider population contributed to the richness of Spotsylvania County’s development.

Directions

The museum is located inside the John J. Wright Educational and Cultural Center.

From North on I-95
If traveling North on I-95, take exit 118, Thornburg. At the stop sign, turn left and drive over the bridge (I-95 underneath). Continue through the first traffic light (Route 1). Cross Route 1 and continue (you are now on Morris Road). Continue on Morris Road to the traffic light. Turn right onto Courthouse Road (Route 208). Continue approximately 1/16 mile. The John J. Wright Educational and Cultural Center will be on your right. There is plenty of parking.

From South on I-95
If traveling South on I-95, take exit 118, Thornburg. At the stop sign, turn right and continue to the first traffic light (Route 1). From this point, follow the same directions as above.