Projects
Celebrating Our Ancestors
Join us for a multi-day public event dedicated to sharing the history of enslaved people in Pensacola and celebrating their significant contributions to the city’s unique culture.
EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2024
BOOK TALK
Kick-off “Celebrating Our Ancestors” on Friday, October 25, 2024, with a book talk featuring Joe McGill and Herb Frazier, co-authors of Sleeping with the Ancestors: How I Followed the Footprints of Slavery. Pre-registration is encouraged.
FIRESIDE CONVERSATION AND SLEEPOVER
Following the book talk, Mr. McGill, founder of the Slave Dwelling Project, will lead a fireside conversation and sleepover in the UWF Historic Trust’s Historic Pensacola Village. This overnight stay is the signature program of the Slave Dwelling Project. Pre-registration is required.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2024
CELEBRATION EVENT (10:00 AM – 4:00 PM)
On Saturday, October 26, 2024, continue celebrating with a large public event highlighting the contributions of enslaved Ancestors and their descendants. All Trust museum spaces will be free and open to the public. Enjoy the following activities:
- HANDS-ON COOKING PROGRAM: Pre-registered participants will recreate meals prepared by enslaved people in Pensacola, guided by historical and archaeological research. Led by Jerome Bias, this program teaches about enslaved cooks, foodways, and open hearth cooking. Pre-registration is required.
- MINI-WORKSHOP LEARNING LABORATORY (30 minutes each):
- African American Genealogy Mini-Workshop: Learn about genealogical research and the challenges of tracing enslaved ancestors. Experts will share tips and answer questions.
- Cemetery Preservation Mini-Workshop: Discover best practices for cemetery preservation, including legal considerations and funding. Led by Florida Public Archaeology Network (FPAN) staff.
- Archaeology of Sites of Enslavement Mini-Workshop: Understand how archaeology helps uncover the history of enslavement and learn how to get involved. Led by FPAN staff.
- Archival Research of Enslavement Mini-Workshop: Get introduced to archival research methods and how to access historical documents relevant to enslavement.
- COMMUNITY STAGE: Enjoy performances and storytelling by local artists. During transitions, the emcee will share the names and stories of locally enslaved individuals.
- POP-UP MUSEUM: Local organizations will have booths to provide information and lead hands-on, family-friendly activities.
- MARKETPLACE: Browse and purchase products from local businesses, artists, and artisans
Pre-registration for all or individual programs listed above is here:
WANT TO PARTICIPATE?
We invite nonprofit organizations and local vendors to join “Celebrating Our Ancestors.”
SHARE INFORMATION AT THE POP-UP MUSEUM
Nonprofits and community groups can set up free booths to share information and engage visitors with family-friendly activities. Each organization will receive one folding table and two chairs.
SELL YOUR PRODUCTS AT THE MARKETPLACE
Local businesses, artists, and artisans can set up booths to sell their products for a fee of $50.
Apply here:
Organization/Vendor Application
CONTACT INFORMATION
For more information, contact Mary Furlong Minkoff at mminkoff@uwf.edu.
OUR PARTNERS AND PLANNING COMMITTEE
“Celebrating Our Ancestors” is a collaborative effort involving organizations and individuals from across Pensacola and Northwest Florida.
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