Historical Marker
State Historical Marker to Honor the Luther H. Foster High School
Preserving the Legacy of Luther Hilton Foster High School
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Welcome to the official website of the Luther Hilton Foster High School Alumni Association! Our mission is dedicated to preserving the rich history and promoting the enduring legacy of Luther Hilton Foster High School, which served the community from 1950 to 1970.
This website serves as a central hub for alumni, friends, and anyone interested in learning more about the school's impact. Here you can find information about upcoming events, historical documents and photographs, alumni news, and ways to get involved in supporting our mission.
A significant recent event was the dedication of a historical marker on Saturday, July 20, 2024, at the Nottoway High School Complex. This ceremony honored Dr. Luther Hilton Foster, Sr., the school's namesake, and recognized the vital role the high school played in the lives of its students and the community. The program for this dedication is available on the website, featuring reflections on the school's history and the impact of its alumni.
Luther Hilton Foster High School, named in memory of Dr. Luther Hilton Foster, Sr., a distinguished figure in Black higher education and former President of Virginia State College, provided secondary education for Black students in Nottoway County until full desegregation in 1970. Despite the challenges of racial discrimination, the school produced many accomplished graduates who went on to make significant contributions in various fields.
We invite you to explore our website to learn more about the history of Luther Hilton Foster High School, its alumni, and our ongoing efforts to keep its memory alive.
Feel free to open or download the event program using the link at the bottom of this section or by clicking on the thumbnail to the left.
Contact Us:
Phone: 804-690-1487
Email Address: Lutherhfoster@gmail.com
This website serves as a central hub for alumni, friends, and anyone interested in learning more about the school's impact. Here you can find information about upcoming events, historical documents and photographs, alumni news, and ways to get involved in supporting our mission.
A significant recent event was the dedication of a historical marker on Saturday, July 20, 2024, at the Nottoway High School Complex. This ceremony honored Dr. Luther Hilton Foster, Sr., the school's namesake, and recognized the vital role the high school played in the lives of its students and the community. The program for this dedication is available on the website, featuring reflections on the school's history and the impact of its alumni.
Luther Hilton Foster High School, named in memory of Dr. Luther Hilton Foster, Sr., a distinguished figure in Black higher education and former President of Virginia State College, provided secondary education for Black students in Nottoway County until full desegregation in 1970. Despite the challenges of racial discrimination, the school produced many accomplished graduates who went on to make significant contributions in various fields.
We invite you to explore our website to learn more about the history of Luther Hilton Foster High School, its alumni, and our ongoing efforts to keep its memory alive.
Feel free to open or download the event program using the link at the bottom of this section or by clicking on the thumbnail to the left.
Contact Us:
Phone: 804-690-1487
Email Address: Lutherhfoster@gmail.com
Historical Marker Dedication Correspondence
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This collection of correspondence highlights the widespread support and recognition for the Luther H. Foster High School historical marker dedication.
These letters and emails contain kind sentiments from various individuals, including Delegate Lee Ware, Dr. Luther Hilton Foster’s granddaughter, Laura H. Charity, and Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears.
The writers express admiration for the school’s legacy, the Alumni Association's efforts, and the importance of preserving this history for future generations. Their words underscore the event's significance in honoring Dr. Luther Hilton Foster and the achievements of the school's graduates.
These letters and emails contain kind sentiments from various individuals, including Delegate Lee Ware, Dr. Luther Hilton Foster’s granddaughter, Laura H. Charity, and Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears.
The writers express admiration for the school’s legacy, the Alumni Association's efforts, and the importance of preserving this history for future generations. Their words underscore the event's significance in honoring Dr. Luther Hilton Foster and the achievements of the school's graduates.
Letter to the Courier-Record written by Sandra Branch
Dear Sir:
On June 15, 2023, the Virginia Board of Historic Resources approved the installation of a new state highway marker to commemorate Luther H. Foster High School.
This marker holds significant historical value as it symbolizes the struggles and triumphs of African American students during a time of segregation.
The approval of the Luther H. Foster School marker is a momentous occasion for the state and Nottoway County. It highlights the important role that African American schools played during the era of segregation and the contributions of their students to society, despite facing immense challenges and racial discrimination.
Luther H. Foster High School, which operated from 1950 to 1970, stands as a testament to the resilience and determination of its graduates who, against all odds, went on to become leaders, trailblazers, and change-makers in their respective fields.
By highlighting the achievements of the graduates, the marker showcases the power of education and the transformative impact it can have on individuals and communities.
The high school was named after Dr. Luther Hilton Foster (1888-1949), who was a nationally-known figure in Black higher education and former President of what is now Virginia State University.
In the broader context of Virginia's history, the marker serves as a reminder of the importance of desegregation in schools and the ongoing pursuit of equality and justice.
A dedication ceremony is forthcoming.
Sandra Branch, President of the Luther H. Foster High School Alumni Association
On June 15, 2023, the Virginia Board of Historic Resources approved the installation of a new state highway marker to commemorate Luther H. Foster High School.
This marker holds significant historical value as it symbolizes the struggles and triumphs of African American students during a time of segregation.
The approval of the Luther H. Foster School marker is a momentous occasion for the state and Nottoway County. It highlights the important role that African American schools played during the era of segregation and the contributions of their students to society, despite facing immense challenges and racial discrimination.
Luther H. Foster High School, which operated from 1950 to 1970, stands as a testament to the resilience and determination of its graduates who, against all odds, went on to become leaders, trailblazers, and change-makers in their respective fields.
By highlighting the achievements of the graduates, the marker showcases the power of education and the transformative impact it can have on individuals and communities.
The high school was named after Dr. Luther Hilton Foster (1888-1949), who was a nationally-known figure in Black higher education and former President of what is now Virginia State University.
In the broader context of Virginia's history, the marker serves as a reminder of the importance of desegregation in schools and the ongoing pursuit of equality and justice.
A dedication ceremony is forthcoming.
Sandra Branch, President of the Luther H. Foster High School Alumni Association
Old Nottoway School to Get Marker
Written by The Courier-Record July 5, 2023
The Virginia Dept. of Historic Resources has approved a state historical marker that will honor and call motorists' attention to the former Luther H. Foster High School in Nottoway County.
The school building stands on Old Nottoway Road. After schools were consolidated in Nottoway, it became home of Nottoway High School and today houses Nottoway Intermediate School.
Approved June 15th in Richmond, the marker will read:
"This school, built at a cost of more than $600,000, provided secondary education to Black students from 1950 until 1970, when Nottoway County fully desegregated its schools. Although planning for the new high school had begun by 1946, the county proceeded with urgency in 1948 after a federal court ruled for the plaintiffs in equalization lawsuits elsewhere in VA. The school was named for Halifax County native Dr. Luther H. Foster (1888-1949), a nationally known figure in Black higher education and former president of what is now Virginia State University. Despite racial discrimination, many graduates became educators, attorneys, physicians, civil servants, and military service members."
The application was made by L.H. Foster Alumni Association President Sandra Branch, who collaborated with former Blackstone Mayor Billy Coleburn on the project. Then-Mayor Coleburn in 2019 won state approval for the "Hokie Fight Song" marker on South Main Street, which commemorates "Tech Triumph" written at 1020 South Main Street by two Blackstone residents in 1919.
Coleburn in Jan. 2021 sought approval from the Nottoway School Board and received a 5-0 vote to place the marker on school property, should the marker be approved in Richmond. Coleburn this week said Mrs. Branch "took the project and ran with it. Sandra did all of the heavy lifting on the application process. She deserves all credit."
The school building stands on Old Nottoway Road. After schools were consolidated in Nottoway, it became home of Nottoway High School and today houses Nottoway Intermediate School.
Approved June 15th in Richmond, the marker will read:
"This school, built at a cost of more than $600,000, provided secondary education to Black students from 1950 until 1970, when Nottoway County fully desegregated its schools. Although planning for the new high school had begun by 1946, the county proceeded with urgency in 1948 after a federal court ruled for the plaintiffs in equalization lawsuits elsewhere in VA. The school was named for Halifax County native Dr. Luther H. Foster (1888-1949), a nationally known figure in Black higher education and former president of what is now Virginia State University. Despite racial discrimination, many graduates became educators, attorneys, physicians, civil servants, and military service members."
The application was made by L.H. Foster Alumni Association President Sandra Branch, who collaborated with former Blackstone Mayor Billy Coleburn on the project. Then-Mayor Coleburn in 2019 won state approval for the "Hokie Fight Song" marker on South Main Street, which commemorates "Tech Triumph" written at 1020 South Main Street by two Blackstone residents in 1919.
Coleburn in Jan. 2021 sought approval from the Nottoway School Board and received a 5-0 vote to place the marker on school property, should the marker be approved in Richmond. Coleburn this week said Mrs. Branch "took the project and ran with it. Sandra did all of the heavy lifting on the application process. She deserves all credit."
The state's estimated $3,000 cost of the marker is being split by the Luther H. Foster Alumni Association and former School Board Member Clive Pettis, who made the pledge in 2021 when voting to approve placement of the marker on school property.