Grass Roots: African Origins of an American Art

Grass Roots

Featuring over two hundred objects, including baskets made in Africa and the American South, African sculptures, paintings from the Charleston Renaissance, historic photography, and new video, Grass Roots traces the parallel histories of coiled basketry in Africa and the United States, Starting from the domestication of rice in West Africa, through the transatlantic slave trade, to the migration of African rice culture to America, the exhibition traces the survival of African-American basketry over three hundred years.

“We are thrilled to present this unique and beautiful exhibit,” said Freedom Center CEO Donald Murphy.  “The medium of Grass Roots is the deceptively simple yet eloquent basket.  At a time of growing interest in multi-cultural experiences that illuminate history and help shape our understanding of the diversity of contemporary society, this exhibit could not be more relevant or appealing.”

Grass Roots Programming

The Freedom Center is supplementing the Grass Roots exhibition with the following programming:

Grass Roots: The Enduring Art of the Low Country Basket – February 12, 2009 at 6:30 p.m.

This documentary features the basket making traditions in South Carolina and highlights the skill, artistry and history behind this remarkable tradition.  Please call 513.333.7554 to RSVP.  Free.

Peter Wood – February 27, 2009 at 6:30 p.m.

Speaking about his work, Black Majority, Professor Wood of Duke University is one of the foremost authorities on slavery in South Carolina and the Gullah culture.  Please call 513.333.7554 to RSVP.  $10.

Stephen Deyle – March 28, 2009 at 2:00 p.m.

Professor Deyle’s latest work, Carry Me Back: The Domestic Slave Trade in American Life, examines the internal slave trade and its impact on the broader American culture.  His lecture will describe the South Carolina experience with slavery and help provide a context through which basket making can be understood.  Please call 513.333.7554 to RSVP.  $10.

Basket Making Workshops

Don’t miss your chance to work with Low Country artists as they teach participants the techniques of the basket artistry.  Please call for dates and pricing information.  513.333.7554.  RSVP required.

For additional information on upcoming events and programming at the Freedom Center please contact Katie Johnson at 513.333.7554 or kjohnson@nurfc.org or click here.

25% Off Ticket Prices in February and March

The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center is offering new “Value Visit” ticket prices that are 25% lower for adults, seniors, students and educators, and families. The new prices take effect on February 3rd and will remain in effect through March 31, said Freedom Center CEO Donald Murphy.

“Guests already rate the Freedom Center as one of the top values among area cultural and entertainment attractions,” Murphy said. “Our new pricing makes a visit even more of a value, especially for families and especially now, as the nation celebrates Black History Month in February and we open our new exhibit, Grass Roots, on Feb. 10.”

The Value Visit pricing schedule is as follows:

Adults: $9.00 (versus $12.00)

Seniors: $7.00 (versus $10.00)

Students & Educators: $5.00 (versus $8.00)

Children 6 & under: free (with paid adult)

For families, the Freedom Center is offering a new Family Value Pack, priced at $18.00. A typical family of four (with two children ages 6-12) would pay $40.00 at current prices.

Value Visit pricing can not be used in conjunction with any other Freedom Center discounts or coupon offers.

Under its new 2009 operating schedule, the Freedom Center is closed on Sundays and Mondays. However, it will be open on Sunday, Feb. 15 and Monday, Feb. 16, for President’s Day, and the following Sunday, Feb. 22.

Black Book Fair Comes to Freedom Center

The 2009 Black Book Fair returns to the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center on Saturday, February 7 for an all-day event that is free to the general public.

The book fair, which runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., enables area businesses to market their merchandise from kiosks and tables set up in the Freedom Center’s spacious Grand Hall.  A host of children’s activities, workshops, choir performances and other fun events will be highlighted throughout the day.

The book fair is sponsored by the Radio One family of Cincinnati radio stations WMOJ-FM, the WIZ and 1230 am WDBZ.  More details are available on WMOJ’s website.

Free Genealogy Classes at the Freedom Center

Volunteers from the Family Search Center in the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center are offering FREE beginners genealogy classes: February 7- Beginning Genealogy; February 14- Organizing your research; February 21- How to Search the U.S. Census. Classes are from 2-4pm in the Discovery Room on the 3rd floor of the Center. Completion of these 3 classes will give you the tools you will need to search for your family history. There is not charge for the class but pre-registration is requested (not required.)

Call 859.360.3841 for pre-registration and further information. Begin to discover your family history!

Gullah Culture Teachers Institue

The NURFC Education Department invites educators to attend the Gullah Culture Teachers Institute on February 28, 2009. Participants will receive a special backstage pass to the Grass Roots: African Origins of an American Art exhibit as well as breakfast, lunch and the Grass Roots Teachers Guide. Speakers include Dr. Peter Wood (Professor Emeriti, Duke University), Dr. Prince Brown (Retired Professor, Northern Kentucky University) and a basket weaving workshop from South Carolina native Henrietta Snype. Hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and the fee is $25.00.

By reservation only; please call 513.333.7737, Monday – Friday, 9-5. A professional development opportunity.

Don’t forget to see Freedom’s Struggle: The Underground Railroad along the Ohio River in Kentucky and Indiana!

Freedom’s Struggle opened January 6, 2009; the exhibition runs through March 27, 2009.  Freedom’s Struggle tells the story of the Underground Railroad through modern photos of historic sites that evoke the journey made by 19th century slaves. Mr. Johnson researched, documented, and interpreted in 35 beautiful black and white photographs known routes and stops used by African-American slaves who dreamed of freedom by secretly crossing to the north side of the Ohio River.  St. Louis’s historic connection to African-American individuals struggling for freedom is also explored with images commemorating the Mary Meacham Freedom Crossing, William Wells Brown, and Dred Scott and the Historic Old Courthouse.

Private Events Sales Packet

Page from Private Events Sales Packet

The Freedom Center has redesigned the Private Events Sales Packet to provide clients with rental information while providing stunning visuals of the Freedom Center.  The colorful two pocket packet includes 10 cascading sheets of information (an example is shown at left) pertaining to the spaces available for rental as well as the rental guidelines, reviews of previous clients, and staffing information.

The Freedom Center is one of the region’s most-in-demand venues for private and special events.  If you are interesting in receiving more information on holding your event at the Freedom Center, please contact Rhonda Miller at 513.333.7584 or rmiller@nurfc.org or click here.

If you would like to receive this eNewsletter to your personal e-mail each month please send your contact information to jbrandt@nurfc.org.