National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior

PO Box 65
Harpers Ferry WV 25425

304 535-6748 phone
304 535-6244 fax

Harpers Ferry NHP News Release

Release Date: Immediately
Contact: Marsha B. Wassel
Phone: 304 535-6748

Harpers Ferry Park Celebrates Black History Month

In conjunction with Black History Month, Harpers Ferry National Historical Park is pleased to announce its February 2006 schedule of events. Throughout the month a special exhibit entitled Prepared for Success: A Shining Star of Storer College will feature the life and work of John Robert (J.R.) Clifford, an 1875 graduate of Storer College.

This special exhibit will open on Sunday, February 5, 2006, at 2:00 p.m. on the second floor of the John Brown Museum on Shenandoah Street in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. Clifford, born in Grant County, West Virginia, in 1848, spent his adult life in Martinsburg, West Virginia. As a Civil War veteran, educator, journalist, publisher, lawyer and civil rights activist, J.R. Clifford devoted his life to making a difference in the lives of fellow African Americans. The program on February 5 will feature a talk by Ms. Connie Rice from the University of West Virginia. Ms. Rice, who is currently writing a biography on Mr. Clifford, will share her research. The program will then be followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a small reception.

After the Civil War, Storer College opened in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, as one of the first schools to educate African Americans. For 88 years, Storer prepared student to live in a society that was often marred by racial discrimination and limited opportunities. Despite those barriers, Storer’s graduates succeeded. Many became prominent businessmen, politicians and educators. The graduates of Storer College were prepared to make a difference in the world.

For additional information, please call the Park Information Center at 304-535-6029.

-NPS-

Updated: Thursday, 16-Mar-2006 09:21:29 Eastern Daylight Time
www.nps.gov /archive/hafe/new/nr-black-history-2006.htm
Author: Marsha B. Wassel

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