Gloucester’s Fairfield Foundation is seeking public support in gaining grant money to help it conserve and archive a collection of photos and mementos that belonged to the late Freedom B. Goode. 

Goode was the first African American unit director of the Virginia Cooperative Extension office in Gloucester, a post he held for 39 years. His contributions included initiating the parks and recreation and the community education departments in the county. 

Goode was also an avid photographer who used his photography talents to capture events in the community from his farm extension work to proms and church functions.

Last year, a couple purchased property in the Court House area that included the 1940s home of Goode and his wife. In the home’s basement, the purchasers discovered Goode’s photography collection along with his film developing supplies and photography equipment. The collection was donated to the Fairfield Foundation. 

The photos appear to be ...