Fayette Area Historical Initiative

02/25/2026

02/18/2026

Today we honor the life and legacy of Jesse Jackson — a fearless advocate for justice, equality, and human dignity.
From marching alongside Martin Luther King Jr. to founding the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, Rev. Jackson dedicated his life to expanding opportunity and demanding that America live up to its promise.
His powerful reminder to “Keep Hope Alive” was more than words — it was a call to action. A call to vote. A call to organize. A call to believe that change is possible.
Because of his courage and conviction, generations were inspired to speak up, stand firm, and never stop striving for justice.
His legacy continues — in every movement, every voice raised for equity, and every step toward freedom.

01/29/2026

FAHI will remain closed today (Thursday, January 29th). Please remain safe.

12/05/2025

Due to inclement weather FAHI is closed today! Please remain safe!

11/13/2025

https://martinsvillebulletin.com/eedition/page_6b2f5b5e-58b5-5cf0-b5ce-fd1a4b693c0c.html

View the The Martinsville Bulletin for Thursday, November 13, 2025

11/12/2025

Some pictures from the unveiling of the painting. Thank you to Sgt. Hairston's great niece Norma Marshall and General Via's cousin Teresa Harkness for speaking on their behalf and all other friends and family who attended. A special thanks to Mayor LC Jones for attending and to the members of American Legion Homer Dillard Post #78 where all of the painted soldiers were members of. CT Woods did an awesome job with this painting and if you would like to see it, it will remain at the museum for a few days and then he has to do the final glossing. From that point, we will have it at our upcoming open house.

The picture features Dr. Dana Baldwin who volunteered for the army Medical Reserve Corps when the United States entered WWI and was commissioned a first lieutenant. He served in France with the 317th Sanitary Train of the 92nd Division. After his discharge, he returned to Martinsville and built what was known as the Black Wall Street of the area. The second one featured in the painting is Sgt. Floyd Hairston who was a buffalo soldier from Martinsville once stationed in New Mexico. When he returned, he owned and operated a general store. The third is Lt. Col Armour G. McDaniel. He was a former High School teacher in Martinsville when WW11 started. Armour McDaniel became a Tuskegee Airman and on March 24, 1945, was on his longest mission of the war and the squadron’s first encounter with German jet planes. His plane was in the lead position and the most vulnerable one to be in. They were headed to Berlin when his plane was hit and he bailed out fracturing both legs as he landed. He was a prisoner of war for 30 days. In 1946 he returned to Tuskegee as Commandant of Cadets. Finally, the picture shows General Dennis L. Via. He is a retired United States Army four-star general who last served as the 18th commanding general of the United States Material Command from August 2013 until September 2016. He is the first Signal Corps officer since General Henry H Arnold to achieve four-star rank. Those in attendance learned that all 4 men were a part of American Legion Homer Dillard Post 78.

There will be 50 signed limited editions prints of this painting available for sale to the public. Please reach out to the museum for information on how you can purchase it. Thanks

11/11/2025

On behalf of our Board of Directors & Our Executive Director, Happy Veteran’s Day! Thank you for your service!!

11/05/2025

Come and check out this beautiful piece of artwork! It is honoring some of our outstanding military from this area. Share this and don’t miss it.

11/02/2025

Riding for the history…what an amazing event! Continue to follow museum on fb and IG to keep up with events! There is so much more to come. Thank you, thank you, thank you! ゚viralシ

10/23/2025

Hi everyone,

Have you seen the Professional Athletes Exhibit at FAHI? These athletes were born and/or reared in Martinsville and Henry County. If you haven’t seen the exhibit, please come out tomorrow, Friday, October 24. We are providing a FREE hot dog lunch to the first 100 visitors from 11:30 AM until 1:00 PM. I hope to see you there!

10/09/2025

Watch as the legendary “Sweet Lou” Whitaker throws out the first pitch in game 4 of the Tiger vs Mariners MLB playoff game!

10/07/2025

We enjoyed having about 50 of the 6th grade students from Martinsville City Public Schools here at the museum last week. Get your groups and teams here to see this exhibit while it’s up!!