May 2021
Capt. Maples Portrait: May 2021
An amazing project with lots of partners. First a little about Capt. Andrew Maples, a native son of Orange, and a Tuskegee Airman who lost his life in WWII. The idea to be more reflective of the Orange community by adding portraits of its significant citizens was hatched and fully supported by Judge David Franzene presiding judge in Orange County, VA. in the 16th Circuit Court District.
The creation of a stunning portrait that is prominently displayed in the historic Circuit Courtroom could not have been possible without the Orange County African American Historical Society. There were other partners of note including the Orange County Board of Supervisors, the Main Street Program, and the Tourism Dept. To our knowledge this was the first example of displaying a portrait of an African American on the walls of a courtroom in rural Virgina: a clear example of a Right the Record Project. There are plans to add at least two portraits of women.
It was an honor to be part of the process as a board member of OCAAHS and an advocate of the Right the Record utility.