Throwback Thursday│Center for African American Heritage

Christine
Dec 1, 2016
2 min read

Hello, there!!

As a throwback Thursday post, I want to share with you all an amazing event my family and I attended some time ago!!

Two months ago (October 1st) I visited the Delaware History Museum in Wilmington, Delaware with my sisters and mother. On this day, the museum was celebrating the opening of the Mitchell Center for African American Heritage!! The event was completely free and lasted from about 10 am to 4 pm filled with numerous festivities, speeches, and entertainment.

When my family and I first arrived, we walked through a series of displays that showcased Delaware's history. The first display we came across was of a model of a Native American tribe (Lenni Lenape resided in Delaware), showcasing their housing around a campfire. It also showed some of the Native Americans working, preparing dinner, and other duties included in their daily life.

The next section within the displays showcased African American history as it pertained to Delaware. There were many photos and information about African American education and their fight for freedom and equality during slavery. An interactive display was included in which you were supposed to put a chip in the tube of whatever choice you would make during slavery (to stay, wait, or run). The tube labeled "run" had the most chips in it!!

Also among the displays was a case that held a collection of African American dolls. Some of the dolls resembled a few that my mom has collected over the years. My family and I were then suggested by the staff members to attend the speeches and remarks made by those who made the event possible.

After listening to the speeches and remarks, my family and I went downstairs to watch the Sankofa Dance Company of Dover, Delaware. This by far was the most entertaining part of the whole event!! The Sankofa dance group featured children ages eight to eighteen that played drums and performed African Dance. The boys played the drums while the girls, dressed in beaded festive skirts, tights, and tank tops, danced to the rhythm of the drums.

I am very thankful that I ran across the flyer for this event of Facebook!! My family and I had a really great time at such an educational event!! I hope to visit back soon, as this museum that drips with facts and knowledge leaves me yearning to learn more!!