South Newport News , Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Gregory Cherry

1955-2007

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), February 6, 2021

1. Gregory Cherry Marker

Inscription. Gregory Cherry was a man whose love for Newport News and the Southeast Community expressed itself in many ways. He served in the United States Army as an NCO Congressional Escort and in the prestigious Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps. He returned to give back to the community in 1995. As a municipal employee, he was and ambassador in his promotion of tourism and city history. His passion for Civil War re-enacting led to his 2000 purchase and operation of the historic James A. Fields House as an African American heritage museum. Cherry’s vision included revitalizing the Southeast Community’s retail district through economic development, bringing unity to the community, mentoring young people, sharing his musical talents and in the words of Isaiah, being "the restorer of paths to dwell in."

Erected by City of Newport News, Virginia.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Arts, Letters, Music • Charity & Public Work • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Virginia, Corporation of Newport News series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1995.

Location. 36° 58.986′ N, 76° 25.281′ W. Marker is in Newport News, Virginia. It is in South

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Newport News. It is on 27th Street (Virginia Route 143). The marker is on the grounds of the James A. Fields House. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Newport News VA 23607, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on Virginia’s Peninsula,

in Hampton Roads,

in Coastal Virginia,

and in the Hampton Roads Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

and in the Tidewater.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: James A. Fields House (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named James A. Fields House (here, next to this marker); Crusader for Legal Justice (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Jessie Menifield Rattley (about 600 feet away); Newport News Pays Tribute (about 700 feet away); Ella Fitzgerald (about 700 feet away); Memorial Design & Concept (about 700 feet away); King Comes to Newport News (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Newport News.

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), February 6, 2021

2. Gregory Cherry Marker

James A. Fields House image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Don Morfe, September 21, 2016

3. James A. Fields House

Sign on Property image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Don Morfe, September 21, 2016

4. Sign on Property

James A. Fields House, Virginia Landmark & National Historic Site, Newport News, VA

Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 29, 2016, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 985 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 7, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 3, 4. submitted on September 29, 2016, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.