"Breaking Ground: The Founding of the First Girl Scout Troop for African-American Girls in the South" is an exhibit at Virginia Union University culled from VCU Libraries vast collection of Girl Scouting materials. The exhibit includes images and artifacts illustrating the history of African- American troops in Central Virginia prior to desegregation, from the founding troop in 1932 through the early 1960s.

 

The items on display are part of the archives of the Girl Scouts of the Commonwealth of Virginia  (GSCV) that are held by VCU Libraries' Special Collections and Archives department. Additional images are provided by Viola O. Baskerville, CEO of the GSCV.

 

Breaking Ground is on view at  VUU's Wilder Library Atrium at 1500 North Lombardy St. Richmond from through Sunday, Sept 28. The exhibit is being shown in conjunction with the unveiling of a new historic marker commemorating the first African-American Girl Scout Troop in the South at Virginia Union University. A dedication ceremony for the marker will take place on Saturday, September 20 at 1 pm. at Virginia Union University's Hartshorn Hall.