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MARCH 2024 Texas African American Museum Newsletter


FROM THE DESK OF GLORIA WASHINGTON-
Events, activities and East Texas History on display at The Texas African American Museum is located in North Tyler at 309 West Martin Luther King Jr. 
Contact Ms Washington for more information.

A Hidden Smith County Treasure: Waters Bluff Rosenwald School

 
During the year of segregation, Smith County was home to more than 65 colored schools. Most of the original Smith County "colored" schools were consolidated into to county independent school districts and the buildings that housed these school have disappeared over the years. All except one - Waters Bluff. One unique feature of Waters Bluff is that it is one of seventeen Rosenwald schools that were constructed in Smith County.

North Tyler Treasure: Texas College Martin Hall

 

The Administration Building, Martin Hall, on the campus of Texas College, Tyler, Texas, has been completed.  Martin Hall is a North Tyler historical treasure because of its esteemed place in the National Register of Historical Places. The building has stood for 100 years and has been subject of a major restoration project. 

The History of Bethlehem (FIRST) Baptist Church


It has been estimated that Bethlehem Baptist Church was founded on the second Sunday of November,1866, the year after the June 19th word reached Texas that announced the surrender of Confederacy and the end of the Civil War. For 25 years after the founding of the church, former slaves and freedmen worshiped in the old frame building in Southwest Tyler. From the Chronicles of Smith County, Texas, written by Vicki Bette.

Texas African American Museum Easter Egg Hunt

 

The Texas African American Museum will host THE AMAZING KIDSZ DAY, Good Friday, March 29th. The annual event features events, vendors, food trucks and activities for the whole family. 
Because this is a community event, we need community help to make the day a success. Please donate your time, money and items needed by the Museum to put the event on. Please contact Gloria Washington at 903-218-1447 for information.

Spirits of Oakwood Cemetery - Saturday, March 26

 

Spirits of Oakwood is this coming weekend. The spirits this year are Bryan Marsh Crutcher, Ollie Estes, Van Deren Liggett, Thomas Wall, Eliza Butler, and H. B. Jones.  They will appear in period costume and tell visitors their life stories.  This event has been going on for many years to raise funds to repair monuments.  In recent years we’ve had a second event in the fall that is during the evening, with the second tour ending with lantern and luminary lights.


APRIL 8 - TOTAL ECLIPSE OF THE SUN

 

Join the Texas African American Museum and the world's largest eclipse glasses. Monday, April 8th, the Sun will turn off and the NIGHT will turn on - for 4 minutes and 28 seconds. The sky will change a 1:44 pm Tyler time.