African American History Month 2009

Date: January 26, 2009

WHERE:        Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, 11 North Fourth Street, St. Louis, Missouri.      

WHEN:        Through the month of February 2009 

WHAT:     “Cathay Williams – A Buffalo Soldier” portrayed by local storyteller Loretta Washington. Listen as she talks about some of her experiences and how she concealed her identity as the first documented female Buffalo Soldier in the United States Army after the Civil War. 
Friday, February 6^{th -} 9:30 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.
Saturday, February 7^th - 1:00 p.m.

Friday programs will be at the Historic Old Courthouse in the rotunda. Saturday program will be at the Museum of Westward Expansion beneath the Gateway Arch.

Company A – 10^th Memorial Cavalry Buffalo Soldiers presented by volunteer historic re-enactors from Fort Concho Historic Site and Museum in San Angelo, Texas. Students and visitors will learn the vital role the Buffalo Soldiers played in American history.
Friday, February 13^th - 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m. & 11:30 a.m. & 1:00 p.m.   
Saturday, February 14^th - 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m. & 3:00 p.m. 
 
Programs will be at the Museum of Westward Expansion beneath the Gateway Arch.

 “A Black Woman’s Civil War Memoirs by Susie King Taylor” portrayed by local storyteller Carole Shelton. Among the legacies of the nineteenth century, the names of only a few women of color are found in American history books. Ms. Taylor was born a slave and gained her freedom during the Civil War. She joined a northern regiment in South Carolina to work as a laundress, teamster, teacher and nurse. Ms. Taylor’s memoir’s were published in 1901 and reflected a black woman’s point of view of the Civil War and its unfilled promises.
Friday, February 20^th - 9:30 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.
Saturday, February 21^st - 1:00 p.m.

Friday programs will be at the Historic Old Courthouse in the rotunda. 

Saturday program will be at the Museum of Westward Expansion beneath the Gateway Arch.

-MORE-

Story of Bill Pickett presented by Ed Green. Learn about the origins and life of the American Cowboy including the Rodeo years and Wild West Shows from the experiences of Bill Pickett, one of the well known African-American Cowboys. The audience will experience some of the daily tools and clothing as well as stories of Mr. Picket. Friday, February 27^th - 9:30 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.
Saturday, February 28^th  - 1:00 p.m.

Programs will be at the Museum of Westward Expansion beneath the Gateway Arch.

School and community groups attending Friday presentations must make reservations by calling [phone] to ensure seating.

WHY:          African Americans have played central roles in some of the most triumphant and courageous moments in the history of the United States. During National African American History Month, the National Park Service will honor the rich heritage of African Americans and pay tribute to their many contributions to the nation through a month-long series of free performances and presentations.

The Historic Old Courthouse is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Museum of Westward Expansion at the Gateway Arch Visitor Center is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. All daily and special programs are FREE of charge. For reservations and additional information call 314-655-1700 or 7-1-1 Voice / TTY, Telecommunications Relay Services or visit www.nps.gov/jeff.

1/26/09