Hosanna School Museum Hosts Early African American Education Exhibit and Film Screening

From the Hosanna School Museum:

The Hosanna School Museum will host an exhibit Saturday morning of artifacts related to early African American education followed by the film screening of “Rosenwald,” a documentary about a Chicago philanthropist who helped build thousands of schools in African American communities in the segregated South.

The exhibit, “An Artifactual Journey of the Evolution of African American Education through Rosenwald, Sabbath, and Normal Schools,” takes place from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Saturday, April 30, at the museum, 2424 Castleton Road, Darlington, Maryland. The exhibit — collected by Dr. Philip J. Merrill, a renowned expert on African American history and material culture — has traveled nationally to universities and museums. Merrill, a historian, author and appraiser with the PBS television show Antiques Roadshow for six years, will discuss the cultural and historical significance of the artifacts.

At 1 p.m., the museum will screen “Rosenwald,” a 2015 documentary about Chicago philanthropist Julius Rosenwald, the son of an immigrant who rose from humble roots to head the department store chain Sears. Rosenwald used his fortune to partner with Booker T. Washington in the early 1900s to build YMCAs and 5,400 schools in the segregated South for African American students. In addition, Rosenwald helped build housing for those in need and the Rosenwald Fund supported great artists like Marian Anderson, Woody Guthrie and Langston Hughes. The documentary includes interviews with civil rights leaders Julian Bond, Ben Jealous and U.S. Rep. John Lewis, columnists Eugene Robinson and Clarence Page, journalist Cokie Roberts and Rosenwald school alumni writer Maya Angelou. Popcorn and soft drinks will be served during the screening.

“This is a great opportunity to see the wonderful documentary film “Rosenwald,” or to watch it again,” said Iris Barnes, executive director of the Hosanna School Museum.
“Plus, Dr. Merrill always surprises, mesmerizes, entertains and educates with his unique collection of artifacts.”

Suggested donation for tickets is $15 for adults and teenagers, $8 for those 12 and younger. Tickets are available at www.hosannaschoolmuseum.org/events.