United States
1954
  • The first African-Americans participated in the International Farm Youth Exchange program, taking a three-month trip to England, Scotland, and Wales.
1957
Larry Dilda of Pitt County, North Carolina, standing at the right of President Eisenhower at the National 4-H Camp in Washington, D.C.
  • National 4-H Camp and Congress was renamed National 4-H Congress.
1958
4-H club members examining model of a satellite. L. R. Harrill, second from right
  • 4-H subcommittees recommended a science emphasis in all 4-H projects.
1959
  • The 4-H Development Fund was created to support camping, scholarships, awards and the IFYE program.
North Carolina
1950
  • The 4-H Club Foundation for North Carolina was founded with the purpose of raising money to establish a statewide camp for African-American club members (none existed at this point).
1952
  • North Carolina 4-H held the first state 4-H Recognition Day.
  • North Carolina had more 4-H members than any other state, 140,000 boys and girls, about 7% of the nation's total membership.
1956
  • Camp J. W. Mitchell at Hammock's Beach in Onslow County opened as the first state 4-H camp for African-Americans.
1959
4-H club members and leaders, including L. R. Harrill, standing behind a large cake at the Golden Anniversary
  • North Carolina 4-H'ers celebrated the 50th Anniversary of 4-H Club work in the state.
Timeline based on sources listed in annotated bibliography.
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