Education, Preservation, Empowerment.
Christiansburg Institute, Inc. (CI, Inc.) offers a wide range of educational resources centered on African American history and culture, with a particular emphasis on the 100-year legacy of the Christiansburg Industrial Institute (CII), the first high school in Southwest Virginia to educate formerly enslaved people of African descent.
| Our Educational Resources and Services |
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Christiansburg Institute Museum & Archives (CIMA)
Christiansburg Institute Museum & Archives (CIMA) uplifts the multitude of African American history and culture in Southwest Virginia, with special emphasis on Christiansburg Institute, an educational institution that played a pivotal role in the lives of African American students in Southwest Virginia from 1866 to 1966. CIMA engages its audiences through interactive physical and digital exhibits, growing archival collections open to researchers, and educational programming. It aims to be a community resource, providing insight into the region's African American heritage and the broader social and historical context in which the school operated.
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Christiansburg Institute Digital Archives (CIDA)
The Christiansburg Institute's Digital Archives is a public, searchable archive of digital materials related to the history of Christiansburg Industrial Institute and broader African American history in Southwest Virginia.
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CIMA Digital Exhibits
Our digital exhibits are part of our ongoing efforts to make this rich heritage accessible to a wider audience, ensuring that the stories and contributions of those who came before us are never forgotten. We invite you to explore our digital exhibits, engage with our history, and join us in celebrating the enduring legacy of the Christiansburg Industrial Institute.
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Student and Work Study Internships
We offer a comprehensive internship and work-study program that provides valuable opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. *Students may receive course credits or pursue a work-study arrangement
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Robert Henry Graham Legacy Library
Home to over 800 books, the Robert Henry Graham Legacy Library features works primarily by African-American authors, covering topics such as Black Studies, Education, Poetry, Art, Politics, History, Sociology, Economics, International Studies, Movement Theory, Fiction, and more.
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Content Creation Studio
Our content creation studio, ‘CI Studios,’ is meticulously designed for podcasting, vlogging, and digital content creation. Featuring high-quality microphones, a suite of editing software, and the Rodecaster Pro II, this space empowers you to bring your creative vision to life.
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African American Legacy Tour
The African American Legacy Tour is a driving tour that highlights Montgomery County's African American sites of cultural significance, tracing the history from Slavery to Civil Rights. The series will gradually expand to include additional sites throughout the New River Valley, offering a profound and authentic exploration of Black history in rural Appalachia.
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CI Ambassador High School Student Internship Program
The CI Ambassador Internship Program partners with high schools in the region of Southwest Virginia to provide internship opportunities for area students at the freshman through senior level. Our internship program centers on public history and museum education, civic engagement, community organizing, leadership development, and cultural preservation advocacy.