Introducing 'A Space of Their Own'

 PGAAMCC Curator Jon West-Bey, Public Programs Coordinator Yolonda Evans and Chanel Compton, Arts Educator, introduce 'A Space of Their Own'.

Exhibition Overview

“A Space of Their Own” is an exhibition that celebrates the pioneering spirit of the people who founded the four original majority African American municipalities incorporated in Prince George’s County, Maryland. The exhibition recognizes the power of the shared commitment to create formal, thriving African-American communities. Although there are several unincorporated areas in the County with equally rich histories, we chose to focus on the incorporated towns. Together, these towns represent a microcosm of African American life in Prince George’s County. “A Space of Their Own” is really a tale of four cities.

These townships were founded for many common reasons. Incorporation was a way to get basic services from the county and the state, to take advantage of and build economic opportunities, and to organize a lasting community for future generations. The founding of these places demonstrates a visionary commitment to the betterment of the four towns and the county. This exhibition features four installations that identify each area’s individual character, and common institutions across the four towns. The Prince George’s African American Museum and Cultural Center proudly celebrates these towns, their struggles and triumphs. The people who have lived and continue to live in these communities have truly created a space of their own.

Curators
Jon West-Bey, Curator PGAAMCC
Gina Vaughn, Historian
 

Opening: January 14th, 2012

NORTH BRENTWOOD

In 1924, North Brentwood became the first incorporated majority black municipality in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Similar to other communities in Prince George’s County, North Brentwood developed around the bustling railway system of Highland Station off the Washington Branch of the B&O Railroad and the Columbia and Maryland Railway. Since its beginnings it has been a proud town with a dedication to preserving its history.

EAGLE HARBOR

Eagle Harbor represents a major historic landmark in the segregated retreat life of African Americans in the first half of the 20th century. In 1925, developer Walter L. Bean purchased several parcels of in the area originally known as Woodville that was located on the Patuxent River. Bean’s initiative was to create a resort community for African Americans who lived in Washington, D.C. The town was officially incorporated in 1929.

FAIRMOUNT HEIGHTS

Fairmount Heights is one of the oldest and largest black communities in Prince George’s County. Residents of this area began purchasing small parcels of land between Addison and Sheriff Roads in 1903. African Americans yearned for affordable, low cost, single family houses located in a community that would be self governed. The town pressed for incorporation as early as 1922, however did not gain municipality until 1935. Robert S. Nichols served as the first mayor of Fairmount Heights from 1935-1937.

GLENARDEN

Glenarden was initially marketed to African American rail workers as well as those who worked in Washington, D.C. and by 1920; all but 3 of the 25 households were headed by African Americans. Through the efforts of the Glenarden Civic Association, the Town of Glenarden was incorporated in 1939, becoming the fourth African American municipality in Prince George’s County. Residents of Glenarden have always had a majestic admiration for family, history and leisure. Recreational activities were developed to keep a strong bond within the community and amongst the youth. Sporting activities were often funded by area businesses and churches.




 

Upcoming Public Programs for 'A Space of Their Own'      

JANUARY

• 'A Space of Their Own'  Opening Reception: January 14, 2012 | 7:00 p.m. –9:00 p.m.
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration: EAGLE HARBOR, MD |Limited Space RSVP required  programs@pgaamcc.org
• 'The History of Glenarden, MD' Lecture: Saturday, January 21, 2012 | 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. | Gallery 110

MARCH

• Women’s History Month Program: Date:TDB
• Tour of the 4 Townships: RSVP required ~limited seating | Saturday, March 31, 2012 |11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Cost: $10.00 per adult and $4 for children 12 and under | Snacks will be provided

APRIL 

• Unwind Wednesday: Wednesday, April 4, 2012 | 4519 Rhode Island Avenue North Brentwood, MD | New PGAAMCC Administrative Office
• Spring Book Club: 1st Book - Love, by Toni Morrison | April 19, 2012~ 6:30 p.m. -8:00 p.m.
• Tour of the 4 Townships - RSVP required ~limited seating |Saturday, April 28, 2012 |11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.    Cost: $10.00 per adult and $4 for children 12 and under | Snacks will be provided

May 
 

• Unwind Wednesday:Wednesday, May 2, 2012
• Spring Book Club: Book: TBD | May 17, 2012~ 6:30 p.m. -8:00 p.m.
• Tour of the 4 Townships - RSVP required ~limited seating | Saturday, May 19, 2012 |11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Cost: $10.00 per adult and $4 for children 12 and under | Snacks will be provided

June

• Movie Night at the Museum: June 1, 2012 7:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. | 4519 Rhode Island Avenue, North Brentwood, MD
• Closing Reception: Saturday, June 2, 2012 | 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. | Gallery 110 
  
   

 Introducing "A Space of Their Own"

PGAAMCC Executive Director, Dr. Jaqueline Brown introduces 'A Space of Their Own'  on Channel 8's 'Let's Talk Live.

Introducing ' A Space of Their Own'

PGAAMCC Curator Jon West-Bey, Public Programs Coordinator Yolonda Evans and Chanel Compton, Arts Educator, introduce 'A Space of Their Own'.

Exploring Kwanzaa

PGAAMCC Culture Keepers Students Explore the principles of Kwanzaa through the stories of the first incorporated African American townships of Prince George's County.