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What to know about free summer events at the African American Museum in Gastonia

By:  Chloe Collins – Gaston Gazette

The African American Museum of History & Culture inside Loray Mill on South Firestone Street in Gastonia – Mike Hensdill/The Gaston Gazette

Gastonia’s African American Museum of History and Culture is hosting several free summer programs for families in coming months. 

According to director Dot Guthrie, they are designed to teach people about the history of Gaston County while getting families out in the community. 

Here’s a look at some of the events coming up.

Readings

From 10-10:45 a.m. on June 12, 19 and 26, museum staff will celebrate Black Music Month trough readings about famous African American artists and history at the museum, 300 S. Firestone St. Suite P. in Gastonia. 

Hats

Barbara Massey Arnold will present and model some hats starting at 10 a.m. July 18 at the museum. The event will include games like “name this hat,” and a hat drawing contest. Participants are invited to bring their own hats for a hat walk showcase at 11:15 a.m.

LIPS

Through the museum’s Learning in the Park Stream or LIPS program, children can learn about how some of Gastonia’s parks got their names, see a puppet show, hear stories, and enjoy STEM activities. The LIPS events will take from 10 a.m.-noon on the following days:

  • June 10 and July 15 at Walker E. Reid III Park, 1001 Marietta St. in Gastonia
  • June 24 at the Erwin Center, 913 Pryor St. in Gastonia
  • July 17 at Lineberger Park, 632 E. Garrison Blvd. in Gastonia
  • July 29 at Aunt Charlotte’s Community Garden, 604 N. York St. in Gastonia

 

Local men and women in history at the African American Museum of History & Culture inside Loray Mill on South Firestone Street in Gastonia.- Mike Hensdill/The Gaston Gazette

Culture Keepers

The museum is inviting seniors to join them at the culture keepers storytelling club to share memories, stories, songs and play games. Guthrie said museum staff will record some of the conversations to document the history shared.

The club will meet from 10-11:15 a.m. June 6, 13, 20 and 27 and July 11, 18 and 25 at the museum.

Live reading

At 10:15 a.m. Friday, June 27 Cheryl Willis Hudson will perform a live reading of her book, “When I Hear Spirituals,” at the museum. The reading will be accompanied by a PowerPoint presentation of the artwork and followed by a Q&A with the author.

Check out the full article here