African American History in Northampton County pamphlet to be published

Pictured: Frances Bibbins Latimer, courtesy of Virginia Humanities.

By Ava Canade

Northampton County Board of Supervisors member Betsy Mapp presented a new pamphlet titled “Landmarks: African American Historic Sites in Northampton County” during Tuesday’s Board work session.

The pamphlet offers a self-guided driving tour highlighting significant African American historic sites across the Eastern Shore. It draws heavily from Frances Bibbins Latimer’s works—her 2006 book “Landmarks: Black Historic Sites in Northampton County” and her 2013 book “Life For Me Ain’t Been No Crystal Stair.” The publication focuses on community-building efforts and notable locations connected to African American history following the Civil War.

Mapp introduced the pamphlet ahead of its final printing. A major distribution effort will include providing copies to all 11th-grade students in Northampton County as part of their American History curriculum, funded by a dedicated printing grant.

No formal action was required by the Board at this session; the pamphlet was shared for informational purposes prior to its release.