The Gloucester Museum of History is now featuring a new exhibit on the history of the Gloucester Agricultural and Industrial School, also known as the Cappahosic Academy.

Gloucester A&I was an African American school that operated in Gloucester for 45 years and provided students with quality learning environment and encouraged students to pursue higher education.

Gloucester Museums Coordinator Robert Kelly said the exhibit was largely possible thanks to the efforts of Drs. Dorothy Cooke and Wesley Wilson, Bobby Ray and Deborah Billups who he said originally pitched the idea for the exhibit highlighting the African American school.

The exhibit features a wall of informative graphics by Mellen Street Creative, Hampton, and artifacts such as a diploma, ledgers and the school’s massive bell. The 309 pound, 24-inch diameter bell is an eye-catching piece for the exhibit and is on loan to the museum in honor of John DeHardit.

The bell was cast by McShane Foundry in Baltimore ...