Delaware Commemorates Black History Month
Today marks the start of Black History Month and tomorrow Governor Jack Markell will be officially kicking things off in the First State with a public proclamation at 11AM at the Delaware Public Archives. Students from Central Middle School will join the Governor in welcoming Mr. Orlando Camp, one of the “Milford Eleven,” who will speak about his own historic role in the struggle for civil rights. Mr. Camp was one of 11 students that made history (and controversy) as the first African American students to integrate Milford High School in 1954.
The News Journal put out a great article highlighting events taking place across the state throughout the month, but here are some HCA offerings to put on your calendars:
Every Friday in February
“Freedom Fridays” at The Old State House, Dover, DE
This after-school program will explore the lives of African-Americans from throughout Delaware’s history through stories and hands-on activities.
Saturday, February 4*
“We Poor Devils” at the First State Heritage Park Welcome Center and Galleries, Dover, DE
This special presentation will utilize one of HCA’s current exhibits, The Civil War: Five Delaware Soldiers’ Stories, to explore the lives of U.S. Colored Troops who enlisted from Delaware.
“African-American Family and Underground Railroad Research—Ask the Experts!” at The Old State House, Dover, DE
This program will feature a panel discussion led by some of Delaware’s top researchers in the fields of African-American family history and the Underground Railroad.
*These events are part of First State Heritage Park’s “First Saturdays in the First State” programming. For further information on these and other programs, check out the park’s Winter Program Guide
Saturday, Feb. 11, 2012
“What Would You Take on the Underground Railroad?” at The Old State House, Dover, DE
This is an interactive program that explores the hardships endured by freedom-seeking slaves as they escaped through the state of Delaware with,
Saturday, Feb. 18, 2012
“Just an Ordinary Man: The Samuel D. Burris Story.” At The Old State House , Dover, DE
A story-telling program about the life of one of Delaware’s leading Underground Railroad conductors.
“What Would You Take on the Underground Railroad?” at New Castle Court House Museum, New Castle, DE
A n interactive program exploring the hardships endured by freedom-seeking slaves as they escaped through the state of Delaware.
Sunday, Feb. 19, 2012
“Follow the Drinking Gourd.” at New Castle Court House Museum, New Castle, DE
A children’s program explores the Underground Railroad utilizing the book, “Follow the Drinking Gourd,” followed by a tour of the exhibit “Emeline’s Story.”
Saturday, Feb. 25, 2012
“Stories of African-Americans on St. Jones Neck.” at John Dickinson Plantation, Dover, DE
Learn about the African-Americans who interacted with John Dickinson during the 18th century through Violet Brown’s recollections, Clem’s runaway-slave notice and Dinah’s life story.
“Tales of Kent County Men of Color.” at The Old State House, Dover, DE
Dramatic presentations depicting the lives of real people who lived in Kent County in the 19th century.
“USCTs of Delaware” at New Castle Court House Museum, New Castle, DE
Program exploring the United States Colored Troops from Delaware who served in the American Civil War.
Sunday, Feb. 26, 2012
“What Would You Take on the Underground Railroad?” at New Castle Court House Museum, New Castle, DE
An interactive program exploring the hardships endured by freedom-seeking slaves as they escaped through the state of Delaware followed by a tour of the exhibit “Emeline’s Story.”
For times and further information, check out our news release for Black History Month.
So that’s what we’re doing. How are you recognizing Black History Month?