Journey Stories of Cecil County

JULY 13, 2012 – AUGUST 24, 2012        

Cecil County Arts Council

135 E. Main Street
Elkton, MD 21921
(410) 392-5740

www.cecilcountyartscouncil.org

Partners: Cecil County Public Library, Historical Society of Cecil County

Cecil County is rich in transportation history and full of stories of people who came to this land seeking freedom, fortune, and a place to grow roots and raise families. Years ago, slaves traveled the Underground Railroad to the Susquehanna River, only to find the crossing a major obstacle in their effort to seek freedom.  Ukrainian immigrants found success working to expand the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal and thriving in their adopted home near Chesapeake City. During World War II, thousands migrated from the Appalachian Mountains to find work in the munitions factories in Elkton. Thousands of sailors and personnel were stationed to train at Bainbridge, a large naval base on the Susquehanna River.

The Cecil County Arts Council, the Cecil County Historical Society, and the Cecil County Public Library are collaborating to present exhibits which celebrate American mobility, transportation, and immigration and provide programming and events that explores those residents who found their hopes and dreams in Cecil County. 

For up-to-date events listings, visit the MHC Events Calendar.

Signature events include:

• July 13, 2012, 5-7pm:  The Opening Celebration, “Melting Pot,” showcasing local restaurants and a sampling the different foods of Cecil county’s diverse heritage.  
• July 16, 2012, 7pm:  Bernard Purdie, a native Cecil Countain, shares his personal musical journey story.  Mr. Purdie was the first African American to attend Elkton Public High School, and later went on to become an internationally renowned musician, the world's most recorded drummer.
• July 17, 2012, 7pm:  “Dream Big: Untold Journey Stories of Cecil County,” a panel of inspirational immigrant success stories.
• August 4, 2012, 7pm:  “The Musical Journey of Ola Belle Reed,” the journey story about the famous Appalachian folksinger and songwriter who migrated to Cecil County, as told by her son. An artist showcase of local work featuring personal journey stories.

Visit our Events Calendar to find:

• Genealogy workshops for visitors to learn how to trace their ancestry.
• Discussions and symposiums highlighting the various immigrant populations which settled in Cecil County and their contributions to the community.
• Scholarly presentations about Perryville, the C&D Canal, and other Cecil County fixtures.