Contact : Carl Schumacher (314)655-1636 
                 Rick Ziino        (314)655-1725

STORYTELLER CAROLE SHELTON TO PORTRAY SEAMTRESS
ELIZABETH KECKLEY AT THE HISTORIC OLD COURTHOUSE

WHERE:  Jefferson National Expansion Memorial- Historic Old Courthouse

WHEN:      Friday, February 8:  9:30 and 11:00 (School and Community Groups)

                    Saturday, February 9: 10:30 and 1:00 (General Public)

WHERE:     Elizabeth Keckley – Carole Shelton, master storyteller and educator, will share the story of this enslaved St. Louisan and talented seamstress who purchased her freedom and her son’s, and later became Mary Todd Lincoln’s trusted friend and dressmaker.

WHY:          African Americans have played central roles in some of the most triumphant the 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, located at 11 North Fourth Street, St. Louis, is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Museum of Westward Expansion, located beneath the Gateway Arch along the St. Louis riverfront, is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. All programs are free and open to the public. Community and School groups wishing to attend the Friday programs must make a reservation. To make reservations and for a free calendar of the 2008 African-American Heritage Program Series, call (314) 655-1700 weekdays, or 7-1-1 voice/TTY Telecommunications Relay Service or visit us at www.nps.gov/jeff.   

                                                                  (1/10/08)