Frostburg State University
Frostburg State University partnered with the founders of the Jane Gates Heritage House to promote the work of the site and to assist the site in developing plans for how this newly established center for African American history can best serve the community. While Appalachia’s ethnic diversity is often recognized, the region’s racial history and heritage has been too easily overlooked. This project shows how a fuller understanding of Appalachian culture and history, which recognizes the deep legacy of African American heritage, can help to create a more inclusive community, forging a renewed sense of community cohesiveness in western Maryland and the surrounding region. FSU students worked with the community partners to document the Center’s establishment, recorded the founders’ visions for the Center’s future, and co-hosted informational meetings in the community to help solidify the site’s goals and objectives and assist in building a strong volunteer base. Working with the feedback gained from those sessions, students developed an overview of suggested program priorities for the Heritage House and included a written portfolio including highlights of the sessions, recommendations for program development, a preliminary catalogue of artifacts and items for potential display, and a PowerPoint presentation of their findings.
Frostburg's Live Presentation in Washington, DC
Contact Information:
Kara Rogers Thomas, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Sociology
Frostburg State University
101 Braddock Rd.
Frostburg, MD 21532-1099
Attn: Sociology/Guild Center
Telephone: (301) 687-3124
E-Mail: krogersthomas@frostburg.edu
Previous Conference Participation:
2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009