Contact: Carl Schumacher 314-655-1636
ANNIVERSARY OF THE DRED SCOTT DECISION AT THE HISTORIC OLD COURTHOUSE
WHERE: Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, Historic Old Courthouse at 11 NorthFourth Street in downtown St. Louis, Missouri. WHEN: March 1,2008, from 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
WHAT: On March 6, 1857, the United States Supreme Court handed down its historic decision. The National Park Service will commemorate this historic event with a series of presentations at the Historic Old Courthouse, the site of Scott’s first two trials.
10:30 a.m. -“Listening to the Still Small Voice: The Story of George Washington Carver will be presented by actor and playwright Paxton Williams. Learn about this slave turned scientist who became an internationally known botanist. 11:30 a.m. -“Blow Family Memories” presents a historic portrayal of Charlotte and Taylor Blow. National Park Service Rangers Nancy Hoppe and Chris Anibal focus on the lives of the Blow Family children as they recount stories of their childhood growing up with Dred Scott. 12:00 p.m. - Ruth Ann Hager, a certified genealogist from the St. Louis County Library, presents a Power Point program about Dred Scott and his family and provides details of their lives while in St. Louis. 1:00 p.m. - “Listening to the Still Small Voice: The Story of George Washington Carver 2:00 p.m. - Ranger-led Dred Scott 1850 Mock Trial Reenactment Program (with visitors playing the roles). This mock trial will be conducted in one of the restored courtrooms on the second floor of the Historic Old Courthouse.
WHY: African Americans have played central roles in some of the most triumphant the courageous moments in the history of the United States. During National African American History Month, the National Park Service will honor the rich heritage of African Americans and pay tribute to their many contributions to the nation through a month long series of free performances and presentations.
The Historic Old Courthouse, located at 11 North Fourth Street, St. Louis, is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Museum of Westward Expansion, located beneath the Gateway Arch along the St. Louis riverfront, is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. All programs are free and open to the public. Community and School groups wishing to attend the Friday programs must make a reservation. To make reservations and for a free calendar of the 2008 African-American Heritage Program Series, call (314) 655-1700 weekdays, or 7-1-1 voice/TTY Telecommunications Relay Service or visit us at www.nps.gov/jeff. |
Last updated: April 10, 2015