Meet Cleopatra Kay “Cleo” Coleman, Founder of Historic Port Royal, Inc

Cleopatra Kay “Cleo” Coleman is a respected educator, preservationist, and community leader whose lifelong dedication has profoundly shaped the cultural heritage of Caroline County and the Town of Port Royal. A native of Caroline County, she descends from a family with roots in the region spanning at least seven generations. She received part of her early education in a one-room schoolhouse before her family, like many others, was displaced in 1941 by the establishment of Fort A.P. Hill—an experience that helped shape her lifelong commitment to preserving local history.

Mrs. Coleman pursued higher education and devoted nearly forty years to a career in teaching, where she inspired and guided generations of students. During this time, she married her husband, Robert Coleman, and raised three children. After retiring, the couple returned to Caroline County in 1988 and made their home in historic Port Royal, where she continues to live.

Mrs. Coleman served as First Lady of Port Royal during her husband’s tenure as Mayor from 1995 to 1998 and later became an ambassador for local history. She is especially recognized for her powerful and historically accurate interpretation of Harriet Tubman, through which she has educated and inspired audiences of all ages about the struggle for freedom and the importance of historical understanding.

As founder of Historic Port Royal, Inc., Mrs. Coleman has been instrumental in preserving and promoting the town’s heritage. She played a pivotal role in establishing its museums and, with remarkable determination, saved and restored the Old Port Royal School and established the Port Royal School Days living history program. Mrs. Coleman continues to serve several community organizations and holds a permanent chair at all Historic Port Royal board meetings.