At the Robert Russa Moton Museum, we are deeply grateful to those who support our mission to preserve and uplift the story of civil rights in education. Today’s Donor Spotlight honors a partner whose values align seamlessly with our commitment to justice, service, and community: The Thrifty Quaker.
Founded in 1996 by Quakers in Midlothian, Virginia, The Thrifty Quaker exists to support nonprofit organizations by raising funds through its resale store. This year, we are honored to have been selected as one of their featured monthly charities.
Every time someone shops at or donates gently used items to The Thrifty Quaker (www.thriftyquaker.com), they are contributing to a cycle of generosity. Proceeds benefit mostly local charities, offering critical support to individuals and organizations working to make a difference. Shoppers leave with great bargains—and the satisfaction of knowing they’re helping others.
This partnership is especially meaningful to Moton because of our museum’s historical connection to the Quaker community. During the 1959–1964 public school closures in Prince Edward County, the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC)—a Quaker-founded organization dedicated to peace and human rights—played a pivotal role in helping displaced Black students continue their education.
As detailed in Gallery V of our exhibition, AFSC organized placement opportunities for students affected by the school closings, often sending them to live and study far from home. This extraordinary effort required immense courage from students and families, as well as compassion and trust from the communities that received them.
> “We were a predominantly white organization that nobody had ever heard of before, that had no roots in the county, that proposed receiving children who were willing to go away to a distant place, maybe having to live with white families and go to predominantly white schools, and that required a lot of confidence building and a lot of courage of the parents to be willing to have their children taken away for months.”
— Jean Fairfax, Head of AFSC’s Southern Civil Rights Initiative
You can learn more about the legacy and ongoing work of the American Friends Service Committee at afsc.org.
As we reflect on this shared history, we recognize that The Thrifty Quaker carries forward the spirit of service and justice embodied by AFSC. Their support helps the Moton Museum remain a place of remembrance, education, and community empowerment. Together, we honor a past that fuels our future—and a partnership rooted in purpose.