A Brief History
The Lynchburg Peace Education Center is a non-profit, 501(c) (3) organization dedicated to promoting peace in the Lynchburg area and beyond. In 1981 a small group of Lynchburg citizens started hosting peace vigils as Citizens for a Future World. Advocating a world freeze on nuclear weapons, by 1983 they became the Lynchburg Peace Education Center. Connections with local peace churches and with other peace groups in Virginia were soon established. Hal Craddock, Gayle & Kevin Campbell, Linda Thomas, Bob Poignant, Sohon Shuler and David Edwards were leaders in these early years. Chris Barrett became director in 1988 and continued until 1993. In addition to maintaining LPEC's relationships throughout the city, Chris also organized weekly vigils at the BWX Nuclear headquarters in Campbell County and every August a week-long peace walk between Virginia's peace places, Appomattox and Yorktown. Other Virginia peace groups continued to meet at a Peace Summit every June in Lynchburg. Also a consistent relationship with the national Fellowship of Reconciliation is still maintained. After Barrett's tenure, Adele DellaValle-Rauth, Jack Payden-Travers, and Everett Heath have served as coordinators for the peace center. Since 1989 a Lynchburg Peace Prize is awarded each New Year's Eve. Our Peace Prize plaque, listing all the annual winners, is on display at the Lynchburg public library. In the 21st century LPEC is still very active with 400-plus members. In 2012 our board started monthly open meetings, usually held the first Tuesday of the month at The Peace Practice on Memorial Avenue. For questions or suggestions, use the "Contact" form on our home page to send an email, or phone 434-660-7566.