In support of Black History Month, the Chamber and Vigo County Historical Society are highlighting black history in Vigo County. Thank you to the VCHS and Suzy Quick for this guest blog. Learn more about the VCHS by clicking here.
Vigo County Celebrates Local Black History
by Suzy Quick, Vigo County Historical Society
The cultural heritage of black history resonates throughout the Wabash Valley. As a community we celebrate the diverse influence African American ancestry has brought to Vigo County. From the free people of color who came to establish the Lost Creek Settlement to prosperous land owners, farmers, and businessmen, the impact of local Black History is still seen today. Through the display of historical artifacts from local African American heritage and engaging programs, the Vigo County Historical Museum strives to bring educational experiences and connectedness to the community. This month we celebrate Black history with the rest of the country, even as we work to create a future permanent exhibit that will celebrate their history and contributions on a daily basis.
Within the Archives collection of the museum are many resources to learn about black history in Vigo County. Countless true-life stories of the black community can be found in museum photographs, paper files, and well-preserved artifacts. This includes Historic Hauteans such as teacher and writer Jane Shackelford and Willa Beatrice Brown, the first female African-American private and commercial pilot in the United States. The museum regularly works to support and develop practices to be an inclusive source for cultural growth. Our current temporary exhibit for Black History Month is a collaborative endeavor between the museum and VCHS Board member Dee Reed, whose mother and extended family collected extensive materials regarding their direct connection to the people of the Lost Creek
Settlement. In nearly every exhibit throughout the museum you can see how important African American figures in Terre Haute have made significant accomplishments in our local history. If you can’t make it into the museum to engage with the exhibits, be sure to follow along with us on Face Book as we post highlights about African-American individuals and history from our community.
