Mary N. Smith Alumni Association (Cultural Enrichment Center)

Grant Awarded: $50,000 to Support Building Renovations and Classroom Upgrades

Mary Nottingham Smith High School was established in 1932 to educate black students in Accomack County Virginia. The school closed in 2004 and the Accomack County Board of Supervisors voted to turn the property over to the Mary N. Smith Alumni Association, Inc.  (MNSAA) for use as a cultural center in 2011. The facility is now called  the Mary N. Smith Cultural Enrichment Center (“Center”). The mission of the Center is to provide a gateway that promotes diverse opportunities to enhance the lives of community members and simultaneously preserve the legacy of the school.

The Center is currently the home of the Eastern Shore Club of the Boys and Girls Club of Southeast Virginia. Savage Elite Hoops Academy, LLC also leases time in the gymnasium to provide specialized basketball training and development. MNSAA has begun offering youth enrichment and senior programming for the community, including a mentoring program for young men ages 9 to 17. MNSAA also partners with local organizations and community members to host events throughout the year.

Prior grant funding (including ESVCF) and generous donations have supported facility improvements since ownership of the building was transferred to MNSAA in 2011. At the same time, there are a substantial number of improvements still needed to fulfill the mission and vision of the MNSAA and the needs of the surrounding community.

In Fall 2024, ESVCF approved a grant of $50,000 for infrastructure upgrades, including roof repairs and installation of HVAC systems in remaining first floor hallways and classrooms. At least one classroom was to be converted into a flexible learning space with interactive whiteboard, projector, tables and chairs.These building renovations and classroom upgrades are expected to significantly improve the functionality, accessibility, and overall impact of the Mary N. Smith Cultural Enrichment Center.

Summer 2025 Project Update from Colby West, Executive Director: This year marks the 90th anniversary of the first graduating class of Mary N. Smith High School, named in honor of Mary Nottingham Smith, who devoted her life to educating young people. With support from this grant, one classroom has already been transformed into a modern, multi-purpose learning space, able to host courses in financial literacy, software applications, computer literacy and more.