Monday, April 5, 2010

African American Civil War History Chats, Wed 4/7/10 & 4/12/10

Come join us to talk about African American Civil War History at the Kent County Public Library, Wed 4/7/10 at 6 p.m..

We will be showing the 30 minute documentary film, 'Black Soldiers in Blue' about this history and Camp William Penn where over 10,000 soldiers trained.

Food and refreshments will be served with free reading materials to take home.
Hope to see you there!

Thursday, April 1, 2010

New Website with pictures and video!

Come check out our new website with calendar dates and pictures!

www.africanamericanheritagecouncil.shutterfly.com

Monday, March 8, 2010

'Glory' March 13th at the Norman James Theater at Washington College

Our free screening of "Glory", the movie, has been rescheduled from Saturday, February 27th at Kent County High School, to Saturday, March 13th, from 7 - 10 p.m. at the Norman James Theater, Washington College. This event will include discussion of the G.A.R. meeting hall history.

'Glory' the film, spotlights the courageous efforts of the 54th Regiment of the Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry. This black regiment, led by the son of an abolitionist, suffered numerous hardships and privation even before taking the field of battle. Starring Morgan Freeman, Denzel Washington, and Matthew Broderick, this film provides insight into the lives of the men who built the G.A.R. Grand Army Hall in Chestertown; in fact, research indicates that at least one of the members of Post #25 served with the 54th Massachusetts.This film is rated (R). A short presentation will accompany the film, introducing the audience to the history of Post #25, the stabilization of the meeting hall by Preservation Inc., and plans for restoring it to its former important place in the fabric of Chestertown and Kent County. This event is free and open to the public.

The Norman James Theater at Washington College campus Map is in William Smith Hall. Check out where William Smith Hall is on this map!
http://visit.washcoll.edu/campusmap.php

We hope to see you there! Peace.

For more information, please call 410 810 1416 or email AfricanAmericanHeritageCouncil@gmail.com.

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Reconciliation March 5th 7 p.m. at the Prince Theater

The African American Heritage Council is partnering with the Prince Theater to create a Reconciliation/Celebration event that acknowledges the past social inequities as they were experienced in the theater.

In years past, black citizens were made to use a separate entrance and seating to watch movies at the Prince Theater. This event will allow the voices of the past that may still linger in hearts of the present to be heard.

In reconciling injustices, celebrating a unified community, and expressing hope for the future, this event will provide impetus for us to join together to make our community a better place for all.

The public is welcome and urged to take part in this important milestone.
Hope to see you there!

Friday, February 26, 2010

Chesapeake Life Magazine features the Schoolhouse Museum

Check out the beautiful spread!

http://www.chesapeakelifemag.com/index.php/cl/features/feature_kent_county_african_american_schoolhouse_museum_ma10

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Welcome to the African American Schoolhouse Museum & Heritage Council!

In 1994, the African American Schoolhouse Museum & Heritage Council (AASMHC) was established under the leadership of Karen Somerville. The original purpose of the organization was to preserve, restore and establish a cultural center and museum in the one-room “colored” schoolhouse built in August 1890 in the community of Worton Point, Maryland. The museum represents the rich history of the town as it relates to slavery on the Gale Plantation and the close family ties that have bound the community for the last 200 years.

Since the late 1990’s, the organization has broadened its scope to include additional projects that represent the full scope of African American history in Kent County, Maryland. Our most recent venture is a partnership with Preservation, Inc. and the Kent County Historical Association to revive a national treasure - the meeting hall of the Charles Sumter Post #25 of the Grand Army of the Republic. This meeting hall, constructed in 1890, is quite possibly the only remaining useable structure of its kind. Built by African-American Union Civil War veterans, it served as a meeting place and community center. The building has been stabilized and saved from ruin by Preservation, Inc. and plans are being developed for the African American Schoolhouse Museum and Heritage Council to gather the capital necessary to complete construction needed to make the building a museum and cultural center.

The African American Schoolhouse Museum & Heritage Council, Inc. is a 501(c)3 organization; donations are tax deductible. Please contact Karen Somerville, Executive Director, at
somersinger@peoplepc.com or 410 810 1416 for more information.