Marble Falls museum highlights history of local African-Americans
Bessie Jackson (center) shows Falls on the Colorado Museum board chairwoman Darlene Oostermeyer some newspaper clippings relating to local black residents who contributed to the community over the years. St. Frederick’s Baptist Church and the museum are celebrating Black History Month in February. Staff photo by Daniel Clifton
DANIEL CLIFTON • PICAYUNE EDITOR
MARBLE FALLS — In celebration of Black History Month, the Falls on the Colorado Museum is hosting a program and exhibit Feb. 21 that highlights local African-Americans as well as a few of national fame.
“We want to raise awareness within the community about black history because it’s a shared history,” said museum chairwoman Darlene Oostermeyer. “It’s a great chance to learn about our community’s story.”
The event starts at 2 p.m. at the Falls on the Colorado Museum, 2001 Broadway. Along with exhibits, the St. Frederick Baptist Church choir will perform under the direction of Shalanda Crawford.
Oostermeyer as well as museum board members Jane Knapik and Caryl Calsyn have worked with Bessie Jackson and the Rev. George Perry of St. Frederick to collect displays and information for the exhibit. Knapik said the local church has done a tremendous job of saving and preserving stories, information and other items that help fill out the story of black history in the community.
[box]IF YOU GO
WHAT: Black History Month program and exhibit
WHEN: 2 p.m. Feb. 21
WHERE: Falls on the Colorado Museum, 2001 Broadway in Marble Falls
ADMISSION: Free
FOR MORE: Go to www.fallsmuseum.org[/box]
“St. Frederick’s has collected a lot of artifacts and other things,” Knapik said. “There are a lot of communities, unfortunately, where these things have been lost or just can’t be found. We’re fortunate that the members of St. Frederick’s have held on to so many things.”
The exhibit will contain photos, documents and articles highlighting local stories and people but with a few exceptions.
“We want to focus on the local people, but we’ll also have a few nationally prominent people included because it ties it all together,” Oostermeyer added.
Admission is free.
Go to www.fallsmuseum.org for more information.
daniel@thepicayune.com