Date: January 3, 2008
Contact: Carl Schumacher, (314) 655-1636
Contact: Rick Ziino, (314) 655-1725
WHERE: Historic Old Courthouse and Museum of Westward Expansion at Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, 11 North Fourth Street and Gateway Arch along St. Louis Riverfront, downtown St. Louis, Missouri.
WHEN: February 1 - March 1, 2008
WHAT: “The Adventures of Jim Beckwourth: African American Frontiersman” presented by Gregory Carr. Explore the colorful life of the famous mountain man and buffalo hunted as he blazes new trails and later becomes an Indian Chief.
Friday, February 1st - 9:30 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.
Saturday, February 2nd - 10:30 a.m. & 1:00 p.m.
Programs will be at the Museum of Westward Expansion beneath the Gateway Arch.
Elizabeth Keckley portrayed by master storyteller and educator Carole Shelton. Share the story of this enslaved St. Louisan and talented seamstress who purchased her own freedom and her son’s and later became Mary Todd Lincoln’s trusted friend and dressmaker.
Friday, February 8th - 9:30 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.
Saturday, February 9th - 10:30 a.m. & 1:00 p.m.
Programs will be at the Historic Old Courthouse in the rotunda.
Company A – 10th 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 our history.
Thursday & Friday, February 14th & 15th - 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., & 11:30 a.m.
Saturday, February 16th - 10:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. & 2:00 p.m.
Programs will be at the Museum of Westward Expansion beneath the Gateway Arch.
“Where Would We Be Without Thee” presented by local storyteller Loretta Washington. Several slave women, including Sojourner Truth, Harriet Scott, Harriet Tubman and others, are depicted in this presentation focusing on the hardships, struggles and challenges they encountered in their everyday lives and how they worked to overcome them.
Friday, February 22nd - 9:30 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.
Saturday, February 23rd - 10:30 a.m. & 1:00 p.m.
Programs will be at the Historic Old Courthouse in the rotunda.
“Listening to the Still Small Voice: The Story of George Washington Carver” presented by actor and playwright Paxton Williams, a graduate of Dr. Carver’s alma mater, Iowa State University.
Friday, February 29th - 9:30 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.
Programs will be at the Historic Old Courthouse in the rotunda.
Anniversary of the Dred Scott Decision on March 6, 1857, the United States Supreme Court handed down its historic decision. The National Park Service will commemorate this historic event on Saturday, March 1st with a series of presentations at the Historic Old Courthouse, the site of Scott’s first two trials.
10:30 a.m.-“Listening to the Still Small Voice: The Story of George Washington Carver” presented by actor and playwright Paxton Williams.
11:30 a.m.-“Blow Family Memories” presents a historic portrayal of Charlotte and Taylor Blow, the daughter and son of Peter Blow, owner of Dred Scott. National Park Service Rangers Nancy Hoppe and Chris Anibal focus on the lives of the Blow Family children as they recount stories of their childhood growing up with Dred Scott.
12:00 p.m.-Ruth Ann Hager certified genealogist from the St. Louis County Library presents a Power Point program about Dred Scott and his family and provides details of their lives while in St. Louis.
1:00 p.m.-“Listening to the Still Small Voice: The Story of George Washington Carver” Paxton Williams will return to the Historic Old Courthouse rotunda to present an encore presentation.
2:00 p.m.-Ranger-led Dred Scott 1850 Mock Trial Through scripts based on this actual trial, park visitors will have the opportunity to play the roles of the judge, attorneys, plaintiff (Dred Scott), defendant (Irene Emerson), witness, jury, bailiff and court clerk. This mock trial will be conducted in one of the restored courtrooms on the second floor of the Historic Old Courthouse.
School and community groups attending Thursday & Friday presentations must make
reservations by calling (314) 655-1700 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 am to 4:30 pm. The Museum of Westward Expansion at the Gateway Arch Visitor Center is open daily from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. 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 you can visit our web site at: http://www.nps.gov/jeff
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12/21/07
