With Black History Month upon us the Black History Preservation Project of Knox County is continuing its work to preserve and bring to light Knox County’s extensive black history dating back to the early 1700s and on into the 21st century.
“In Knox County, there are some of the most significant court cases and freedom suits in the nation” said Tom Bartholomew with the preservation project. Recently the group organized an event at the Fortnightly Club sponsored by the Vincennes State Historic Sites in hopes to share more o African American history.
Historians came from the surrounding areas like Evansville and Lawrenceville to help inform attendees on the Black History Preservation group.
“ with Larry Curry and also Janice Hale from the African American Museum, the three of us were able to give a broad framework of black history in southern Indiana”. Bartholomew commented.
Although the demographic here in southern Indiana is slim, having the knowledge of the past is key for the future, Bartholomew stated, “the Indiana State Museum’s always been a big supporter of our work as has Indiana Landmarks and the Indiana Historical Society”. “We’re working with other historic sites around the city to help bring black history to their own exhibits as well”.
For Black History Month, the group has two weekends of activities planned. This Saturday February 8th, The Knox County Library and the Black History Preservation project are going to be presenting the Freetown Village Singers, a group from Indianapolis that has been performing throughout the Midwest since 1988. They will bring a mix of storytelling, spirituals and folk music which Bartholomew says dates way back. The Freetown Village Singers will be performing at the St. James Performing Arts Venue located at the St. James Episcopal Church here in Vincennes Indiana. “It’s a really unique location, and I think it’ll be an excellent complement to the work that these singers do”.
Coming up the next weekend is another special event. “February 15th, we have something special planned working with our Oral History Project”. Bartholomew added, “what we’re doing is collecting members of the black community that have stories to tell about the history and growing up in Knox County”. By utilizing the community, the group can assure real and authentic stories from individuals.
In hopes of building more traction with the community of Knox County, the Black History Preservation Project is creating a space for the public to come and share family photos, family stories etc. “It’s important that we get these stories recorded, and these documents documented”, Bartholomew states.
The group will continue their call for action even outside the month of February, with plans for the summer as well. Bartholomew stated, ‘we’re getting on the books for Juneteenth with more information coming at a later time, it’s going to be really exciting”.
For more information regarding the Black History Preservation Project of Knox County as well as regarding any questions you may have feel free to reach out to Tom Bartholomew at the Knox County Library or on social media.
