West Park View in Portsmouth, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Israel Charles Norcom High School
Photographed By Cynthia L. Clark, February 2, 2018
1. Israel Charles Norcom High School Marker
I.C. Norcom (1856-1916) was an African American educator and administrator who served Portsmouth schools for more than 30 years. The first school to bear his name opened in 1920 three quarters of a mile southeast of here. Principal William E. Riddick and vice principal Lavinia M. Weaver led it for decades. The school moved into a new building nearby in 1937 and again relocated to a new facility, about a mile southwest of here, in 1953. The school’s academic, athletic, and cultural programs were central to the community. Students conducted sit-ins to desegregate Portsmouth lunch counters in 1960, and alumni became local, state, and national leaders. Norcom High School moved here in 1998.
Erected 2017 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number Q-81.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1920.
Location. 36° 50.236′ N, 76° 19.199′ W. Marker is in Portsmouth, Virginia. It is in West Park View. Marker is at the intersection of London Boulevard (Virginia Route 141) and Ruth Brown Way, on the right when traveling east on
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Historic Portsmouth Community Library (approx. half a mile away); Cedar Grove Cemetery (approx. 0.7 miles away); a different marker also named Cedar Grove Cemetery (approx. 0.7 miles away); John Luke Porter (approx. 0.7 miles away); The Confederate Section (approx. 0.7 miles away); Chevra T'helim Synagogue (approx. 0.8 miles away); Mount Calvary Cemetery Complex (approx. 0.8 miles away); The Battle of Craney Island (approx. 0.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Portsmouth.
More about this marker. The marker was unveiled on January 26, 2018. The school is more commonly known as “I.C. Norcom High School"
Also see . . .
1. New Historical Marker Commemorates the Role of Educator I.C. Norcom in Portsmouth. The Virginian-Pilot website entry (Submitted on February 3, 2018, by Cynthia L. Clark of Suffolk, Virginia.)
2. I.C. Norcom High School website. (Submitted on February 3, 2018, by Cynthia L. Clark of Suffolk, Virginia.)
Photographed By Cynthia L. Clark, February 2, 2018
2. Israel Charles Norcom High School Marker.
The marquee (background) shows the school mascot, “Greyhounds.”
Photographed By Cynthia L. Clark, February 2, 2018
3. Israel Charles Norcom High School Marker.
Photographed By Cynthia L. Clark, February 2, 2018
4. I.C. Norcom High School and its marker.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 17, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 3, 2018, by Cynthia L. Clark of Suffolk, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,188 times since then and 119 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on February 3, 2018, by Cynthia L. Clark of Suffolk, Virginia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
