Date/Time
Date(s) - 10/01/22
10:00 am
Categories No Categories
Let’s get together
We’re hosting a new event, and we’d love to see you there. Join us for African-Americans in Iowa Over the Centuries -, October 1, 2022 at 10:00 AM.
Who: Fulbright alumni* and visiting international Fulbright Program grantees in Iowa, including family members and guests.
*For Fulbright alumni who are not current members of the Fulbright Association but wish to now join the Fulbright Association in order to receive free admission to this event, click here: Fulbright Membership
What: At 10:00 a.m. tour the Jordan House Museum in West Des Moines. Learn about the owner of the house, James Jordan, a Virginia cattle rancher who resettled to central Iowa along the Raccoon River, and who was a staunch abolitionist, a banker, local politician, and state legislator.
· Jordan used the house as a stop on the underground railroad in the 1850s. African-Americans seeking freedom hid in the farm’s fields and outbuildings.
· The famous abolitionist John Brown stayed at least twice at the house, leading groups of African-Americans from the south to freedom in the north.
At noontime partake of a nutritious boxed lunch and beverage at the Raccoon River Park Nature Lodge which overlooks a picturesque lake. Introduce yourself and interact with your fellow Fulbrighters in attendance.
Beginning around 1:00 p.m., hear from and interact with the event speakers.
· Gale Brubaker, the Executive Director of the Jordan House Museum, will describe the lives of African-Americans in the 19th and 20th centuries in Iowa and the broader history of the Underground Railroad in Iowa and beyond.
· Rachelle Chase, an author, journalist, public speaker, business owner, and Des Moines Register opinion columnist, will tell her story of discovering the existence of the historical town of Buxton, Iowa.
o The town was founded in 1895 by the Consolidation Coal Company which provided coal to the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad. The town’s majority residents of African-American heritage and its minority white European immigrants were to an extent wholly integrated in the company town.
o Ms. Chase has recently authored two books on the town of Buxton and its residents and has made numerous presentations and recorded talks on the subject. She will bring a unique African-American perspective to her storytelling.
When: Saturday, October 1, 2022 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (CDT)
Restrictions: COVID-19 transmissibility precautions may or may not be in effect at the Jordan House Museum on October 1. As a historical building the Jordan House is not completely accessible to visitors who are not able to climb stairs.
Transportation: Carpooling or other transportation may be arranged for visiting international Fulbright Program grantees and for certain other attendees. Please contact the organizer named below.
Cost:
Free for:
· Members of the Iowa Chapter of the Fulbright Association
· Visiting international Fulbright Program grantees
$15 meal cost payment is required for:
· Fulbright alumni who are not members of the Fulbright Association
· Guests of Fulbright alumni
· Family members of visiting international Fulbright Program grantees
$15 meal cost donation is encouraged for:
· Fulbright alumni
What is the registration deadline?
Saturday, September 24, 2022. However, capacity at the event may be limited to 50 attendees, so please register as soon as possible.
How can I contact the organizer with any registration or transportation questions or changes.
Please contact Richard Johnson, President of the Iowa Chapter of the Fulbright Association, by text or call at 515.770.5313 or by email at rich4950@gmail.com.
Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?
No! We’ll have you on the attendance list.
We look forward to your attendance at this special event!
