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In honor of the first and only Black dentist in Beaufort County, Dr. Haywood Dowdy, a Heritage marker from the W.G. Pomeroy Foundation will be unveiled at the original Dowdy family home at 136 W. 6th Street.

Though most noted for being the first and only Black dentist in Beaufort County, his impact on the community went well beyond his profession.

He was a 33rd degree Mason, a title of honor and distinction, headed up the Black 4-H, and was a Boy Scout leader. Right around the time of school integration in Washington, he was the first Black appointed to the Washington School Board. During WWII, he participated in fund drives for the war effort.

“Whatever was happening, he always seemed to be there to help out,” said Alice Sadler, curator of the P.S. Jones Museum of African American History. “He and his wife built homes around their property and rented them out to folks so they wouldn’t have to deal with slum lords. They also helped to get children into college, and if they fell short financially, they were always there to help them. He was a very mild-mannered man and didn’t like to draw attention to himself. He just flew under the radar and did what he could to help others, and we feel he is very deserving of this recognition.”

The unveiling of the marker will be held on Wednesday, June 25, at 4 pm at the historic Dowdy Home at 136 W. 6th Street. The public is welcome to attend.

This will mark the first historic marker along Washington’s Freedom to Property walking trail in the heart of the city, which was established by a collaborative effort between the P.S. Jones Museum of African American History and the Washington Human Relations Council.