African American History Committee

Advising and assisting on the Curator of African American History and Special Project’s work is the African American History Committee, consisting of representatives from the FAM’s staff and Board of Directors, the City of Fredericksburg, the Department of Community Planning, the Economic Development and Tourism Office, scholars and administrators from the University of Mary Washington and Germanna Community College, K-12 educators, leaders from local businesses and nonprofits, and community members.

Nested under the larger African American History steering committee are five work groups assigned to assist and advise on the Curator of African American History’s various projects. These include:

Auction Block

This work group will assist and advise in the development and installation of exhibitions and interpretation related to the Auction Block, now located at the FAM, and on the FAM website. This work group will also participate in the development of recommendations for a permanent installation at the block’s previous location at the corner of William and Charles Streets.

Waysides

This work group will plan and assist in the comprehensive review, revision, and development of additional wayside panels throughout the City of Fredericksburg.

Tours, Brochures, and Other Museums

This work group will plan and assist in the review, revision, and development of City interpretive materials related to African American history. This work group will also assist in reviewing and making recommendations for incorporation of African American history at other public history sites throughout the City of Fredericksburg.

Collecting and Exhibitions

This work group will assist and advise in the collection of objects and stories related to African American history in the Fredericksburg area. This work group will also assist and advise in the development and installation of a comprehensive exhibition on African American history in the Fredericksburg area to open on the second floor of the Fredericksburg Area Museum in 2025.

Youth Outreach

This work group will assist and advise on outreach to younger residents of the Fredericksburg area, including in the development and installation of a student-curated exhibition to accompany the larger African American history exhibition opening on the second floor of the Fredericksburg Area Museum in 2025.

First Meeting of the African American History Committee on August 30, 2022. Members, from left to right: Ms. Nancy Moore, Ms. M.C. Morris, Ms. Kate Schwartz, Mr. John Hennessy, Dr. Tiffany Ray, Dr. Will Mackintosh, Mr. Joseph Lyttle, Dr. John McGuire, Dr. Gaila Sims, Mr. Juno Pitchford, Dr. Shavonne Shorter, Mr. Blanton Massey, Mr. Carlos Moore, Ms. Sara Poore, and City Manager Tim Baroody (Image Courtesy Barclay Sims Company). Not pictured but also contributing ideas and input are: Mr. Sonny Holmes, Ambassador Pamela Bridgewater, Mr. Frank White, Mr. Roger Braxton, Ms. Trudy Smith, Mr. Xavier Richardson, Vice-Mayor Chuck Frye Jr., Ms. Gaye Adegbalola, Mr. Alex Harvell, Dr. Christine Henry, and Mr. Cedric Rucker.