2/16/2020

Weekly Update 2/16/2020

This week I attended couple of interesting lectures, and a couple of Black History month events.

The Victorian Society had an interesting talk about Chautaugua and the series of musical concerts, lectures, book reviews and cultural events that happen each summer. I had never attended that when I lived in NY, but my friend Jane used to live in Chautaugua before moving to Savannah. We attended together, and it was nice. It’s quite expensive to actually go to the festival, so this lecture is probably as close as I’ll ever get to being there.

On Thursday, I went to the Friendship Coffee House where I sometimes go to knit. But instead of being creative, I just sat and sipped good coffee and listened to the park ranger from Fort Pulaski (that’s my dream job – being an employee of the government with all their benefits at a historic site) talk about Valentines Day in the mid-1800’s. Naturally, VD is my least favorite of all holidays, and I’d prefer to stay home and ignore everyone, but I rather enjoyed the history of the day.

Saturdays in February, the City Cemetery Department is offering free tours (another draw for me – if it’s free, I generally can be found there) of Laurel Grove South Cemetery. This is to provide a little information about the city’s historically Black cemetery for Black History month. I went with my friend from BHS, Kathryn, and we knew the guide, John from the City. The cemetery was formed within 3 years of BC, but it is entirely different. There’s rarely any tours there, although Laurel Grove North has several private companies that offer tours. It was a good opportunity to learn something new.

Sunday, another free event for Black History Month was held at the Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum. It was rainy and not too warm, and I nearly talked myself out of going; I’m glad I didn’t! Two performers gave a history lesson that included many important people who have worked for the rights of all, including Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass of Rochester fame. The actors were very good, and had given the performances at several local schools this past week. This was a good chance for those of us who haven’t been in school in a half century, to enjoy the show.

Rosa Parks

Sojourner Truth

a Tuskegee airman flying with Eleanor Roosevelt (an audience participant)