From 1830 to 1865, it was illegal in Maryland for Negroes to assemble unless a “respectable” White person was present. On Tuesday, February 28, at 7pm at Calvert Library Prince Frederick, participants at “Faith and African American Families in Calvert County” will explore the history of this law and how enslaved people and the churches responded.
Three years ago, Calvert Library hosted a Founding African American Families event where we heard from Footes, Mackalls, Clarks, Harrods, Johnsons and many more families with a stake in County history. We also heard about the research that All Saints Church had begun concerning the role of African Americans in the church’s history. As that parish prepares to celebrate its 325th anniversary, the community is once again invited to the library to share stories of “Faith and African American Families.” Of particular interest will be family histories as they connect to church histories from 1774 to the present.
This is a great opportunity to re-energize your genealogical research, share interesting tidbits you have unearthed and learn about our community’s rich history in which the church has played a significant role.
The Reverend Ken Phelps will present a brief background of the All Saints project and share some of the stories uncovered. Michael Kent will relate stories of the Kent and King families. What can you add to the collective compendium of local history? If you have photos or documents, please bring them. Volunteers from the Calvert County Historical Society will be on hand to help with scanning and to share their resources. For more information, call Robyn Truslow at 410-535-0291.