The Gloucester Museum of History will celebrate Black History Month in February with an exhibit and programs honoring the memory of lifelong county resident Eldridge N. Cook. 

Cook, who resided in Bena, was an entrepreneur and the owner of Cook’s Oyster and Seafood Company, which operated on Sarah’s Creek for over 70 years. In the community, Cook served on the Virginia Marine Products Board, the Gloucester Social Services Board and the Gloucester Planning Commission.

In 2010 at the age of 95, Cook closed his seafood business and continued to contribute to Gloucester and his church, First Morning Star Baptist at Bena. He established the Eldridge N. Cook Charitable Fund with the Gloucester Community Foundation to give a hand up to young people in danger of falling through the cracks. 

Cook also contributed to a scholarship fund through the Rappahannock Community College Educational Foundation. 

Beginning Feb. 1, the Gloucester Museum of History will feature an exhibit of items from Cook’s business, his home and church. On Feb. 2 at 1 p.m., the program “Eldridge Cook’s Lasting Legacy” will be presented in the colonial courthouse and highlight Cook’s philanthropic endeavors. A tour of the museum exhibit will follow. 

On Feb. 6 at 12:30 p.m., RCC will present a 45-minute program on Cook’s life in the Glenns campus auditorium. Also, WXGM radio will broadcast “Mr. Cook’s Birthday” on Feb. 14. The day has been designated as Eldridge Cook Day in Gloucester in honor of Cook’s birthday in 1915. 

In addition, on Feb. 19 at 3:30 p.m., WXGM will air “A Tribute to Mr. Cook” by Ben Borden and Graham Blake.