ABOUT US
DOWNLOADS
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​- Frequently Asked
Questions
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​- Our Brochure​
(in revision; available Jan 5, 2026)
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​​- Our Accomplishments
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Proud member of
- Culpeper County Chamber of Commerce
- Orange County Chamber of
Commerce
- Virginia Association of Museums
What Are We?
An IRS 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation, The Carver 4-County Museum, Inc. is a community-based museum that produces and publishes research about regional history, and formulates that research into entertaining and educational exhibits for all ages.
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Our values: Citizenship * Stewardship * Partnership
Our 2026 Theme: Renewed Perspective during the 250th Anniversary of the United States
Mission:
The museum's mission is to document, celebrate and share the educational, social, cultural and military history of students, their parents, faculty, administrators, and supporters of George Washington Carver Regional High School, the FIRST and ONLY institution of secondary education built in Virginia to serve minority students from four counties from 1948 - 1968: Culpeper, Madison, Orange and Rappahannock.
​Hours by Appointment:
We are on "winter hours" whereby we organize and refurbish the museum through mid-February. You may still visit by appointment. To schedule, contact Charlotte Carpenter at (540) 270-3891.
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​​​Background:
The Museum, officially organized in 2016, is governed by a 9-member board of directors. It occupies the former library of the school where the County of Culpeper contributed more than $100,000 in renovations, and continues to make improvements to The Carver Center to better serve the public. We hosted a Preview Opening for our alumni in October, 2018, and our Grand Opening was in February, 2019. We are financially supported by grants, donations, an in-kind services.
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WHAT WE DO . . .
We do MUCH more than exhibits in our museum. We provide many services that bring the exhibits to life and inspire us to make new ones to share with the public.
In-Museum Exhibits
Since 2016 when we codified our decision to have a museum, we have produced two major exhibits yearly. Click HERE for more information.
Overview-Notice the vintage student desk on the table
July 1936 Esquire magazine, p 92
The Role of Teachers
Overview-Notice the vintage student desk on the table
Research
More than 145 teachers were hired for Carver. How can we find biographical information and verify their credentials? One way is to locate their yearbook. Shown is a page from the 1951 Shaw University yearbook with Miss Marion Wells Hooker
Traveling Exhibits
When asked to share our exhibits, we tailor them for the audience.
Detail of Corporal Prince Bradford
USCT of PrinceWilliamCty
Vietnam Veteran, Comm Ldr Spotsylvania
Detail of Corporal Prince Bradford
Write & Publish
Because our research produces a large amount of information, we publish our findings in a variety of formats.
Archives & Artifacts
Since our beginning,
we have collected
thousands of pictures,
artifacts, documents,
yearbooks, newspaper
articles, genealogical
and other information
about our region.
Shows Rappahannock student graduating; no high school in Culpeper at the time
Donated by Alan Johnson
High school book
Shows Rappahannock student graduating; no high school in Culpeper at the time
Conduct Interviews
By phone, mail, Zoom, or in person, we are always willing to listen, ask questions, and record a story about Carver.
Produce Short Videos & Documentaries
Any Carver subject can be shared widely via video we create.
Plan & Implement Events
Candy-filled hands made for 2024 Farm Tour
Used as the primary marketing image for GWCRHS anniversary
Used this at each outdoor event
Candy-filled hands made for 2024 Farm Tour
Events are important fundraisers for our museum.
Host & Visit Schools and Civic Groups
Our outreach program to schools allows us to supplement SOL coursework. Visiting with civic groups produces partnerships.