About

Emanuel AME was once the religious and cultural center of the Lincolnsville Community. Established in 1890, Lincolnsville became Portsmouth’s first middle-class African American Community. During segregation, it operated as a city within a city. Also during that time, mail was not delivered to Lincolnsville by the city, and Emanuel doubled as both a church and post office. Portsmouth’s longest serving mayor, The Honorable James W. Holley was born right across the street from Emanuel in one of Lincolnsville’s last four remaining homes, where he entertained the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Mayor Holley fought for and one equal access for African Americans in Portsmouth’s libraries, hospitals, restaurants, and golf courses. In 2023, the Lincolnsville photos could be seen at the Hill House Museum as part of a much larger exhibit entitled, “Picture This”. On loan to Emanuel from the Hill House Museum archives, the Lincolnsville photos will be on display this February 2nd thru 15th as a stand-alone exhibit in the neighborhood where they were taken!