Upcoming Events & Programs 2025

Join Christiansburg Institute, Inc. and St. John's Lodge as we honor the federal Juneteenth holiday with a community celebration on Saturday, June 28th, from 3:00–7:00 PM at Depot Park in Christiansburg!

Commemorate Black freedom and resilience while enjoying live music by McFadden & Friends, DJ King Court, delicious eats from local food trucks, a bouncy house, face painting and fun activities for the whole family.

When: Saturday, June 28th, 2025 from 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Where: 250 Depot St NE, Christiansburg, VA 24073

Questions? outreach@christiansburginstitute.com

Love good books and great conversations? Join our community book club where we explore powerful stories, connect over shared histories, and build meaningful dialogue together.

Interested in joining? Make sure to complete the Interest Form by June 5th at 12:00 pm!

Join us for the Black Ink Society Summer Writing Group, hosted by Christiansburg Institute, Inc. Come write in community with us every Tuesday from 1:00–3:30 PM, starting June 3rd at 125 Arrowhead Trail, Suite F in Christiansburg! Whether you're journaling, drafting poems, or finally starting that book - you belong here.

Join Brittney Flowers, Friends of Washington Park (FoWP), Christiansburg Institute, Inc. (CI, Inc.), and the Gainsboro Library for a special community event on June 26 at 6:00 PM at the Gainsboro Library. 

Brittney Flowers will share her powerful research on the history and significance of Booker T. Washington Park, followed by a presentation from CI, Inc. Executive Director Chris Sanchez and FOWP President Cathy Carter on the Caretakers Cottage Rehabilitation Project. The evening will conclude with a panel discussion and Q&A featuring reflections from local residents who grew up enjoying the park. All are welcome - come learn, share, and celebrate this vital piece of community history.

Past Events & Programs

In-Person Community Forum, CI,Inc. offices, Thursday, 4/24 at 5-7 PM

  • Echoes of Tradition: Earl White, Guardian of Old-Time Appalachian Music Join Christiansburg Institute, Inc. (CI, Inc.) on Thursday, August 29th, 7PM-8:30PM at The Lyric Theater in Blacksburg, Virginia.

    Mr. White will share his profound efforts to preserve the rich history of African American origins in Old Time music of Central Appalachia. His unique performance will blend storytelling, music, and dance, offering an unforgettable glimpse into our area's important cultural heritage.

  • Christiansburg Institute Open House | February 2nd, at 6:00 PM ET

    Christiansburg Institute, Inc. is thrilled to invite you to our Open House as we celebrate Black History Month! This special event will take place on Friday, February 2nd, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at our institute, and we warmly welcome the entire community to join us.

    We are located at 125 Arrowhead Trail, Suite F, Christiansburg, Virginia, 24073

  • The Lyric Event featuring Jordan Bell, hosted by Christiansburg Institute and the Montgomery County Community Review Council | February 15th at 7:00 PM ET

    Join Christiansburg Institute and the Montgmery County Community Review Council (MCCRC) on Thursday, February 15, 2024 at 7:00 PM (EST) at the Lyric Theatre for an enlightening event on the importance of preserving and sharing Black history.

    At this in-person gathering, we will explore the rich and diverse heritage of Black history, delving into the stories, struggles, and triumphs that have shaped our society. Through an engaging presentation by featured speaker Jordan Bell, followed by a facilitated panel discussion, we aim to foster a greater understanding and appreciation of Black history. Thank you to our event sponsors: Radford University Black Studies Center, More Than A Fraction Foundation, Gathering Blacksburg History, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Montgomery County, VA

  • Community Pint Night: Christiansburg Institute (CI, Inc.) LIVE MUSIC & SILENT AUCTION | February 23rd, 3pm ET

    Join us for an unforgettable night of music, celebrating Black history, and community support! The dynamic sounds of the great and powerful 'McFadden and Friends' will fill the air as we come together for a special event hosted by Christiansburg Institute, New River Blues Society, and Eastern Divide Brewing Company.

    This event is being held at Eastern Divide Brewing Company: 3175 Commerce St, Blacksburg, VA 24060

  • New River Blues Society + Christiansburg Institute + Blacksburg Library | February 24th at 1:00 PM ET

    Join us for an unforgettable experience! Dive into the heart of blues music with a jam session featuring talents from the New River Blues Society and Christiansburg Institute. Receive a complimentary harmonica and immerse yourself in the rich history of blues in rural Appalachia. Our dynamic presentation explores the origins and development of blues in the United States, fostering a vibrant dialogue through interactive music sessions. Get ready for a unique blend of education and entertainment that encourages questions and collaboration. Don't miss this chance to be a part of the living legacy of blues!

    This event is being held at the Blacksburg Library: 200 Miller St SW, Blacksburg, VA 24060

  • Teachers' Open House at Christiansburg Institute Museum & Archives (CIMA) | March 13th, 10am-2pm at CIMA

    Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of African American history that our region holds, as we invite you to explore the educational treasures within CIMA's walls. Our team at CIMA is excited to extend a warm invitation to all teachers, educators, and school administrators to discover the wealth of resources we have available for your classrooms.

    This event is being held at the Blacksburg Library: 125 Arrowhead Trail, Suite F, Christiansburg VA, 24073

This event will take place on Thursday, April 24th, from 5:00 - 7:00 PM ET in person at the Christiansburg Institute, Inc.’s offices located at: 125 Arrowhead Trail, Christiansburg, VA 24073