Christopher Patterson - Publisher
LAURENS - The Laurens County Museum held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday, February 15th, at 11 am to unveil its latest exhibit, "The Road to Education for Black Americans." The event drew a crowd of enthusiastic attendees who were treated to a poignant and uplifting experience.
The exhibit itself is a meticulously crafted replica of a one-room schoolhouse, complete with a chalkboard, desks, and a hopscotch grid. The walls are adorned with a detailed timeline of Black education in South Carolina and Laurens County, providing a powerful visual representation of the struggles and triumphs of the past.
The ceremony's guest speaker, Dr. Lillie Beasley Glover, a 1957 graduate of Sanders High and Professor Emeritus at SC State, delivered a stirring address. Drawing from her own experiences as a student in Laurens during segregation and as an educator in South Carolina, Dr. Glover emphasized the importance of understanding and honoring the past. "The best way to tell where you're going is to tell where you've been," she said, her words resonating deeply with the audience.
Following Dr. Glover's speech, Teresa W. Noble, Chairwoman of the Museum Board, organized a small reenactment that transported attendees back in time. The event concluded with a delightful surprise: attendees were given paper bags containing a biscuit with jam and a bottle of water, which they enjoyed while being treated to a rousing piano performance by Harold Ligon in the museum lobby. The crowd even sang along to classic songs, creating a joyful and communal atmosphere.
But the pièce de résistance was yet to come. Local resident Elma Morrison rang a handheld school bell and marched the entire group to the new exhibit, recreating the excitement and anticipation of the first day of school. Once they arrived, Elma Morrison officially cut the ribbon on the exhibit, marking the grand opening of "The Road to Education for Black Americans."
The Laurens County Museum's new exhibit is a testament to the institution's commitment to preserving and sharing the rich history of the region. By providing a platform for stories like Dr. Glover's to be told, the museum is doing exactly what downtown Laurens needs: fostering a sense of community, promoting education, and celebrating the diversity that makes our city thrive.
As attendees left the museum, they carried with them a newfound appreciation for the struggles and triumphs of the past, as well as a renewed sense of hope and optimism for the future. The Laurens County Museum's "The Road to Education for Black Americans" exhibit is a must-see for anyone interested in history, education, or simply the human experience.
Mark your calendars for the museum's next event: Dr. Kendra Hamilton will speak on her new book, "Romancing the Gullah in the Age of Porgy and Bess," on February 18, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. in the Magnolia Room.
