Lewes Historical Society to look at African-American faith experience in Delaware Feb. 19

The Lewes Historical Society invites the public to observe Black History Month with a Friday Evening Speaker Series event at 7:30 p.m., Friday, Feb. 19.  Dr. Connie Cooper, chief curator of the Delaware Historical Society, will present a talk about DHS' groundbreaking Forging Faith, Building Freedom: African American Faith Experiences in Delaware 1800-1980, which includes an exhibit and publication.

The talk is free and open to the public and will take place at St. Peter's Church Hall at Second and Mulberry streets in Lewes. Light refreshments will be served following the presentation.

The illustrated presentation will explore the rich history of African-American faith in Delaware, presenting it in the context of the ongoing struggle for freedom and equality for all. Delaware’s key role in the development of early black churches will be featured. Absalom Jones, Richard Allen, Peter Spencer and Samuel Cornish were leading early black church founders and leaders of the new nation.

Also featured will be the African Union Church, the nation’s first independent black denomination, and the August Quarterly, both started by Peter Spencer in Wilmington. The presentation will also explore the great diversity of African-American faith in Delaware, the role of the black preacher, congregational life, and the continuing connection between faith and the struggle for freedom.

To see an online exhibition, go to dehistory.org/online-exhibitions-collections-museum/forging-faith.

Cooper has been with the Delaware Historical Society since 1981 and aside from her curatorial duties is the managing editor of its biannual publication, Delaware History. She has written numerous published papers and prepared many lectures and exhibits.

Copies of Forging Faith, Building Freedom: African American Faith Experiences in Delaware 1800-1980, published by the Delaware Heritage Commission for the Delaware Historical Society, will be available for purchase in both hardbound and soft cover formats. For more information go to www.historiclewes.org, or email info@historiclewes.org or call 302-645-7670.