Category: Community Service

Blogging on Delmarva History

These days web 2.0 products make it so easy to publish just about anything and I make extensive use of some of them in my classroom.  I’m also starting to use them to publish local historycontent, which I think will be of interest to a wider audience.  In the blogosphere, I’ve set up two beyond that those that are dedicated to my classes.

I try to post to them regularly as I find informative information.  You may find them of interest so I’m adding the links here in case you want to check them out.

  1. Reflections on Delmarva Past – A blog focusing on the history and culture of the region.
  2. Window on Cecil County’s Past – Reflections on yesterday in the county at the top of the Chesapeake.

Remembering the Railroad in Colora

The Colora Civic Association has launched a series of programs called “Remember when,” which invites friends, neighbors, and anyone interested in the Colora area to come to a series of programs to share memories and discuss the village’s history.  On April 21 at 7:30 p.m. they have invited me to participate in a program on Remembering the Railroad, the Octoraro Branch.   In the program, I will show photographs associated with the line and help guide a discussion.  The purpose of the program is to have attendees share their memories of the railroad and to allow others to hear those stories. Bring your interests, memories, photos and memorabilia to share with your neighbors or just come to listen to the stories.  The program takes places at Mt. Pleasant Methodist Church.

Recalling the George Washington Carver School

The Cecil County Board of Education celebrated the legacy of one its former schools on February 10th when it rededicated the central office on Booth Street as the George Washington Carver Education Leadership Center. This facility, the county-wide high school for African-Americans in the era of segregated education, graduated its last class in June 1964.

The blast of strong winds and snow showers rattling the building on this special Sunday wasn’t able to put a freeze on the excitement at the ceremony. An overflow crowd of several hundred former students, friends, educators, and others eagerly looked on as Dr. Carl Roberts discussed the reason for rededicating the building while others recalled its history. This large turnout on this wintry Maryland Sunday and the conversations that filled the hallways afterwards as old friends rekindled memories and recalled past experiences spoke to the strong bonds that remains for George Washington Carver alumni and family.

A community’s history is important and it is essential that we preserve reminders of the past so we have context for understanding current events.  Dr. Roberts, thank you working to make sure we don’t forget the times when the challenges at Mr. Caldwell’s schoolhouse were far different and for inviting me to make some remarks at the program.