A Commitment to Preserving an Extraordinary African American Landmark & Its People
Honoring the Legacy of St. Luke, Odd Fellows & Household of Ruth Hall, Blacksburg, VA
Community
The Friends of St Luke, Odd Fellows & Household of Ruth is a coalition of community members near and far who deeply care about the preservation of the history and structure of this 1905 Hall and the legacy of the people who called this region home.
Learning Through Art
- Storytelling
- Presentations
- Public Art
- Literature
Discover Hidden History
Archives, Exhibits, Genealogy, Oral History, Research, & Resources
Gathering Lost Stories
Uncovering the lost stories of African Americans in Appalachia is a complex challenge. The “Lost Stories” catalog serves as a “holding space” for scattered pieces of information that may not yet be fully understood—much like assembling a jigsaw puzzle. It provides a place to test theories, explore context, and gradually reveal histories once known to families, friends, and neighbors who lived, worked, and were buried in this rural Appalachian region. It also traces the stories of those who left during the Great Migration. Organized through the power of Categories and Tags, this tool helps connect missing links—if you can’t find information elsewhere, try here.
Become a Friend
There are many ways to be a Friend of St. Luke, Odd Fellows & Household of Ruth. Financial support helps us preserve and share this important history, while your time and talents can make an equally meaningful contribution. Perhaps you can help with cursive transcription, children’s book creation, genealogical or courthouse research, gravestone restoration, photography, or another skill you would like to share. You can also become a Friend by learning about the history of our region’s African American community, helping others understand the significance of New Town and the St. Luke, Odd Fellows & Household of Ruth Hall, or simply sharing our social media posts with your friends and networks.
By sharing these stories and building awareness, you can make a difference and help fulfill our shared mission. Every contribution—large or small—helps preserve these stories and ensure they continue to be known, valued, and shared.