Venture Richmond Funds Portion of City Slave Trail Marker Project

Venture Richmond pas provided $50,000 in funding for the city's Slave Trail Marker Project. The project is fully designed and has received approval from the Urban Design Committee and the Planning Commission with installation expected in late 2010.

"I am very pleased that Venture Richmond is partnering with the city of Richmond on this very important project," said Mayor Dwight C. Jones. "It is my hope that this project will bring a renewed sense of history and culture to Richmond residents. I look forward to other public and private collaborations of this nature as we remember our unique history and work to Build a Better Richmond."

"We believe this project will be a very important addition to the Riverfront Canal Walk historic exhibits and the recently completed Virginia Capital Trail historic exhibits." said Jack Berry Venture Richmond Executive Director. "An expeditious installation of the markers will also provide an important step in preparing Richmond for the Sesquicentennial of the Civil War and End of Slavery."

The Slave Trail is a walking trail that chronicles the history and trade of enslaving people from Africa and their arrival and entry into Virginia and to other locations in the Americas. The trail begins at Ancarrow's Landing and follows the same route traveled by slaves to Lumpkin's Slave Jail and other establishments in downtown Richmond.

The city's Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities offers guided walks on Richmond's Slave Trail each Saturday during February, which is African American History Month. The walks are scheduled for 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and are based on demand. There is a $5 per person fee for the walk.

Please register in advance by calling the James River Park at (804) 646-8911.

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