Journey Stories of Prince George's County

Our Heritage, Our People

DECEMBER 7, 2012 – JANUARY 18, 2013

Prince Georges Arts and Humanities Council

Oxon Hill Branch Library
6200 Oxon Hill Road
Oxon Hill, MD 20745(301) 839-2400

www.prge.lib.md.us  

Partner: Prince Georges County Memorial Library System

The Prince George’s County Arts and Humanities Council in partnership with the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System and community organizations, launch “Our Heritage, Our People,”  chronicling the role transportation had on emancipation, immigration, and local industries within the diverse communities of Prince George’s County.

These stories are told through a series of visual, performing and literary arts events which include historic photographs, African-American Underground Railroad quilts, an arts exhibit, lectures and performances by local musical groups. “Our Heritage, Our People” runs from December 2012 through January 2013 with accompanying pre-launch programming.

GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION
DECEMBER 6, 2012 at 6:30pm
OXON HILL BRANCH LIBRARY| 6200 Oxon Hill Road, Oxon Hill, MD 20745

Program Event Highlights:

A Celebration of African American Holiday Cooking Traditions, Past and Present
December 3, 2012 @ 7:00pm | Greenbelt Branch Library | 11 Crescent Rd. | Greenbelt, MD 20770
            Contact: Ellen Utley | (301)345-5800

December 4, 2012 @ 7:00pm | Bowie Branch Library | 15210 Annapolis Rd. | Bowie, MD 20715
            Contact: Luis Labra | (301) 262-7000

Join a cooking class with Kenneth Clay, Executive Chef of Clyde’s of Gallery Place, focusing on holiday culinary traditions in communities of the African Diaspora. Chef Clay will offer up healthy recipes for favorite foods like collard greens, fried chicken, black eyed peas, corn bread and more! You’ll have a chance to ask questions, taste samples and share recipes in this fun, family-friendly event. Families welcome


Music of the War of 1812 (a three-part series)
December 8, 2012 @ 3:00pm | Hyattsville Branch Library | 6530 Adelphi Road | Hyattsville, MD 20782
                Contact: Colleen Rogers | (301) 985-4690

The Colonial Music Institute Presents Music of the War of 1812 The Colonial Music Institute presents Music of the War of 1812. Political songs, sentimental ballads, and songs encouraging enlistment were all sung at home, on the streets, and in theaters. This program is led by Dr. David Hildebrand, and concludes the three part series on the Music of the War of 1812. Sponsored by the Maryland Room, Friends of the Hyattsville Library and the Anacostia Trails Heritage Area.


Christmas Gift! A Celebration of African American Holiday Traditions through Music & Spoken Word
December 14 & 15 2012 @ 8:00pm | Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, Kay Theater | College Park, MD 20742
              Contact Info: Jane Hirshberg | (301) 405-8172

Inspired by the groundbreaking publication, "Christmas Gif’: An Anthology of Christmas Poems, Songs, and Stories written by and about African Americans"—the first-ever published compilation of African American Christmas traditions, edited by Charlemae Hill Rollins (1963)—"Christmas Gift!" is a NEWorks original dramatized concert production of old and new yuletide music woven together with stories and selected readings from premiere African American poets, scholars and leaders—including Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, Paul Laurence Dunbar, and Nikki Giovanni. Conceived and directed by Nolan Williams, Jr., Christmas Gift! is an inspiring holiday production for the entire family featuring musical performances by R&B legend Shirley Murdock, singer/songwriter John Stoddart, and the Voices of Inspiration.

To view an up-to-date list of events, visit the MHC Events Calendar.