Jekyll Island Authority Announces Black History Month Celebration

JEKYLL ISLAND, Ga., Jan. 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Jekyll Island will celebrate Black History Month with a variety of programs highlighting the experiences of African Americans on the Georgia coast.  Special events offered throughout the month of February include living history performances, musical traditions, arts and crafts, and newfound discoveries.

On Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 7:00pm a Civil War Living History event will feature the story of Susie King Taylor as portrayed by Sherrie Tolliver. Susie King Taylor served as the first African American Army nurse during the Civil War.  She worked with the first black Union Army Regiment throughout the South.  Join her as she looks back on her life in camp with the black troops.

The Geechee Gullah Ring Shouters present a tribute to Willis Proctor on Thursday, February 9, 2012, at 7:00 pm at Historic Faith Chapel.  Proctor, a valet for Jekyll Island Club member William Rockefeller, later owned a "jumping" nightspot on nearby St. Simons Island.  He is remembered for his contributions to folk music as a Georgia Sea Island Singer.

Master Basket Weaver Yvonne Grovner will teach one of the oldest art forms of African origin in America - Sweetgrass Basketmaking.  Enjoy this 200-year-old tradition by making your own masterpiece from locally found sweet cord grass.  The workshop takes place at Villa Ospo on Saturday, February 11, 2012, 2:30-5:30 pm.

Researcher April Hynes explores what happened to the survivors of the slave ship Wanderer, which arrived on Jekyll Island in 1858.  With support from Ancestry.com and the Chipstone Foundation, Hynes shares stories of survivors' experiences and interviews with descendants.  "The Search for the Wanderer Survivors" presentation is offered Thursday, February 23, 2012, at 7:00 pm.

For admission and reservation details about all Jekyll Island Black History Month events, contact the Jekyll Island Museum at 912-635-4036 or visit jekyllisland.com or facebook.com/jekyllisland.

SOURCE Jekyll Island Authority