Bethania Freedman's Historic Area Presentation at Oak Grove School

Celebrate Black History Month by attending a presentation on the Bethania Freedman's historic area. The presentation will be made by Dr. Michael "Mo" Hartley and Martha Hartley, who are helping prepare a National Register nomination for the area. Descendant and resident Ali Shabazz, who was honored with the Preservation Forsyth Award in 2013 for his preservation efforts in the community, will also speak. 

Currently, funding is being raised for nomination preparation by the consultants Dr. Hartley, archaeologist, and Heather Fernbach, architectural historian. Preservation Forsyth is the project-sponsoring organization. This is an important and fascinating area of local African American history. In addition to the surviving buildings, there are many archaeological resources that will be identified through Dr. Hartley's expertise. During his presentation, Dr. Hartley will discuss how oral histories and other less traditional methods will be utilized to help identify unrecognized historic resources. 

The presentation will take place from 5:30 p.m. until 6:15 p.m. at the Historic Oak Grove School. Built c. 1910, the Oak Grove School "is the only known example of Forsyth County's once common, one-room, African American schoolhouse." Following the presentation, Preservation Forsyth will hold its monthly board meeting and everyone is invited to stay and see how we operate. We are always looking for help on the various committees that are critical to Preservation Forsyth's success. The event is free and open to the public. Seating is limited so register soon! 

RSVP at - Bethania Freedman's Historic Area Presentation at Oak Grove School