About Us


The Historic Turner House Foundation, a 501©(3) non-profit, is a member of the Federation of N.C. Historical Societies and the Friends of the Archives. The Foundation is an extension of 12 years of experience of telling the stories of the Villagers of Historic Oberlin Village.  These untold stories were left out of the history of North Carolina and our organization strives to continue to be an educator and a preservationist of this history and the physical representations of that history.  We want to expand knowledge and offer positive experiences in the areas of addressing historic issues founded in the African-American experience before and during the 1800’s and early 1900’s.  We want to continue to build on past and current efforts in lectures, walking and digital tours, historic projects and preservation projects to encourage cultural reconciliation and understanding.

Cheryl Crooms Williams a self -described history enthusiast, continues a twelve year volunteer commitment to education, preservation and honoring the heroes in our community. Previous Assistant Board Chair and Education Committee Chair of the Friends of Oberlin Village she has spent her time building community partnerships, managing events that uplift the stories of Historic Oberlin Village, participated in education and research program development.  Ms. Williams is a descendent of enslaved people who decided to settle, build their home, worship their God and raise their family in what was Historic Oberlin Village. Prior to her journey with the Friends of Oberlin Village, Williams spent almost 30 years in financial services helping first time home buyers secure their dream of home ownership. She worked for Bank of America and Chase Manhattan Mortgage in California where she raised her family.

I do this work to uncover stories and to help others connect with their ancestry and history.  Black Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) cultural contributions have significantly impacted the tapestry we call America.  The more we share our histories and traditions, the more we learn how each of us has contributed significantly to the history of our country.  We are more similar that different.  It takes a village to build a better future.