When asked what celebration takes place in February, the students of Levittown’s Pearl Buck Elementary School weren’t wrong when they exclaimed, “Valentine’s Day!” in unison. Neither was the one boy who excitedly remembered Groundhog Day.
But on Feb. 12 and 13, representatives from the African American Museum of Bucks County stopped by to educate each grade level about another holiday, one that lasts all four weeks – Black History Month.
This was the first time the AAMBC brought a pop-up museum to various schools in the area, including Trenton Central High School on Feb. 1, and Bucks County Technical High School on Feb. 4.
According to program coordinator Ruben Christie, the special event was presented to more than 1,000 students, with hopes of inspiring them to create a more inclusive community by understanding the contributions of African Americans to our nation’s history.
“The African American story is a major part of America’s history,” Christie said. “The AAMBC’s mission is to ensure the message is told and preserved for generations, and it starts with the youngest members of our community.”
Throughout the day, classes were taken to the mini exhibit one-by-one, with volunteers from the AAMBC on hand to share information in an enthusiastic, kid-friendly way. The first station showcased intricate dresses and jewelry, all handcrafted in Africa and worn at festivals and events.
“For these kids at this age, they’ve probably heard the term ‘African American,’ but they probably don’t know what it is,” Christie said. “So, we take them through a little bit of the history of Africa, the dress, how they had a rich culture and a proud culture.”
While at the next station, students enjoyed a component entitled “Who Am I?,” which featured costumes and descriptions of key players in African American history, such as Harriet Tubman. They were tasked with guessing who the person was based on the information provided.
“They play a little bit of hide and seek,” Christie said.
Next, each group learned about the Underground Railroad – the hidden path slaves used to seek freedom – and its many local stops in Bucks County and Philadelphia. Here, a volunteer discussed Richard Allen, who founded the AME Church in Bensalem and Newtown.
“It makes it real and creates the image in them that they’re really living within where history took place,” Christie said.
A massive, colorful quilt depicting various shapes and scenes was reminiscent of similar pieces hung in the windows of houses. Homeowners did this to communicate safe places to traveling slaves as they headed north, and to give them helpful tips. For example, if a boat was pictured on a quilt, that meant a vessel was nearby to take them from Philadelphia to Canada.
“Many of them didn’t know how to read, so they had to identify with instruction based on images,” Christie said.
Other mannequins showcased were Frederick Douglass, the first African American to run for vice president in the United States, and Sojourner Truth, who helped free many slaves.
A favorite stop for the students displayed everyday items like potato chips, a clock, a dustpan and pencil sharpeners, all of which were invented by African Americans. Each child was gifted a pencil sharpener to take home with them.
The final station, “Hidden Figures of Bucks County,” spotlighted a few modern day African Americans who have made significant contributions and live locally. Individuals included Judge Clyde Waite, the first African American judge in Bucks County; Leonard Miller, the first African American race car owner who is now featured at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History; Selma Burke, who created the sculpture of Franklin D. Roosevelt that can be found on an American dime; and Winston Scott, an astronaut whose own kids went to Pennsbury High School.
“From what we can see, the students are getting a lot out of it and enjoying it,” Christie said. “It adds a little bit of flavor to their Black History Month celebration.”
For more information on the African American Museum of Bucks County, located at 215 E. Richardson Ave., Langhorne, visit infoaambc.org/.
Samantha Bambino can be reached at sbambino@newspapermediagroup.com
