This Day in Henrico History: October 26 – Virginia Randolph begins a pioneering countywide teaching role

On October 26, 1908, Virginia Estelle Randolph began work as an industrial teacher serving Henrico County’s Black schools, taking a classroom approach beyond the walls of her Mountain Road school and into a countywide assignment.

The date is documented in a letter from Jackson T. Davis to James H. Dillard of the Jeanes Fund. A National Park Service historical nomination reproduces Davis’ report that Randolph’s work in the new position began that day. The fund supported education in rural Black communities during segregation.

Randolph became the first Jeanes Supervising Industrial Teacher. Her assignment involved helping other teachers and strengthening the connection between schools and their communities. Henrico’s museum history records that she visited more than 20 Black schools and that the account of her first year became known as the Henrico Plan.

Her influence extended far beyond the county. The National Park Service history describes a model of supervision that spread through the South and overseas. The October 1908 appointment helped turn a Henrico educator’s methods into a much wider educational movement.

Sources: National Park Service, Virginia Randolph Cottage nomination (1974), continuation of section 8, PDF pp. 5–6; Henrico County, Virginia Randolph Museum, exhibit caption and history.