Exhibit opening at The Star of the Republic Museum
Located at the Washington on the Brazos State Historic Site, 23400 Park Rd 12 in Washington , TX
“Enduring Spirit: African Americans in 19th Century Texas,” February 1, 2015
“Enduring Spirit: African Americans in 19th Century Texas” will open Feb. 1, 2015, and be on display through Feb. 15, 2016. It will describe the challenges African Americans faced in Texas in the 19th century. While the first African Americans in Texas were free men and women seeking opportunity and advancement, the laws of the newly-formed Republic of Texas forced them out and opened the door to thousands of enslaved people who served as the backbone of the labor force for almost 30 years. Finally gaining their freedom after the Civil War, they discovered their struggle was far from over. Artifacts on display will include slave records, freedmen contracts and an oath of allegiance. Stoneware pottery made at Wilson Pottery near Seguin, the first African American business in Texas, will be exhibited, as well as an example of the intricate Pine Burr pattern quilt.
No admission will be charged on opening day Feb. 1.
Black History Month Events:
February 7, 2015-
Dr. Fred McGhee, adjunct professor of anthropology at Austin Community College, will speak at 2 p.m. in the museum theatre about the 1836 Texas Rebellion. Free admission all day.
February 14, 2015-
The museum will present the first and second episodes of the PBS series, “African Americans: Many Rivers to Cross” at 2 p.m. Free admission all day.
February 21, 2015-
The museum will host Dr. Bernadette Pruitt, professor of history at Sam Houston State University, for a 2 p.m. presentation titled, “The Other Great Migration: The Movement of Rural African Americans to Houston, Texas.” Free admission all day.