A Brief History of Ellis Acres

The Buckingham Training School [BTS] Campus, 1924-1954, located at 245 Camden Street,
Dillwyn, Virginia 23936 is the site of the first African America Secondary School in Buckingham
County, later becoming Stephen J. Ellis Elementary School, 1954-1964.


This 9.25 acre campus is being developed into a modern community park with features to accommodate all family members. It is called Ellis Acres Memorial Park in recognition of the leadership and vision displayed by Reverend Stephen J. Ellis to establish the Buckingham Training School with the assistance of student and parent contributions [$3,000], Rosenwald Funds [$1,100] and county funds [$2,000]. The land is currently owned by the Town of Dillwyn, and the park is being developed by the Ellis Acres Memorial Park, Inc.

Ellis Acres Memorial Park, 245 Camden Street, Dillwyn, VA 23936

Facilities available at Ellis Acres for use include
a Conference Room to accommodate 25 participants,
classrooms to accommodate 18 students,
a Commercial Instructional Kitchen,
a Covered Pavilion and Modern Restrooms.

Call (434) 983-5600 or (434) 547-4900 for arrangements