St. Michaels Museum at St. Mary’s Square will celebrate the opening of their 2016 season with a reception at the Museum on May 7, 2016 from 2 to 4 PM with light refreshments and Free Admission. Everyone is welcome and time will be available for socializing with your neighbors, new residents and visitors. Part time residents are particularly encouraged to come and learn more about the unique waterside village that has become their adopted community. For information call 410 745 0530.
The program will include a preview of this year’s events and special exhibits. The curator will lead a tour and discussion of the 2016 highlights including the continuing popular 2015 exhibit “Frederick Douglass: His world 1818-1895 “ and the introduction of a new exhibit “St. Michaels African-American Community”.
The Exhibit St. Michaels African-American Community will highlight and honor three of the communities’ civic leaders: Judge James E. Thomas, Rosella Brooks Camper and George W. Wilson, Jr. All three served as town Commissioners. Judge Thomas and Mr. Wilson were elected Chairmen of the Commissioners during their terms. Mrs. Camper acted as town Treasurer during her term (1986-1990). All three were also active in other community organizations.
The Exhibit will emphasize the importance of Fremont St. as an early center for the schooling of the youth. The first black school was on Fremont St. in the 1860s. The first Methodist Church for the community was on Fremont St. dating back to 1852. The growth of Union United Methodist Church will be covered. The social center of the community on Fremont St. was consolidated with the establishment of the Freedom’s Friend Lodge in 1867. The lodge had an active women’s group there with the Household of Ruth. Fremont St. had a bustling commercial life from the early 1900s to the mid-20th century with an assortment of restaurants, bars and grills and beauty shops. Homes of the community with photographs will also be included.
Write a Letter to the Editor on this Article
We encourage readers to offer their point of view on this article by submitting the following form. Editing is sometimes necessary and is done at the discretion of the editorial staff.