BCAACC SPECIAL EXHIBITIONS
The Kerr-Wilson House
Piecing Together African American History in Bastrop, April 27th and May 4th, 2024
Bastrop County Freedom Colony descendants gathered together, and as a tribute to their ancestors, created two beautiful quilts. These quilts tell the story of both the Freedom Colony founders and their descendants.
Meet Dr. Andrea Roberts, May 6, 2024
Dr. Andrea Roberts is an Associate Professor of Urban and Environmental Planning at the University of Virginia, where she serves as Faculty Directory of the Center for Cultural Landscapes and affiliate faculty of the Department of Architectural History and the Woodson Institute. She is a 7th generation Texan and descendant of urban and rural Black settlements. She is the creator of the Texas Freedom Colony Project Atlas and Study.
Storytelling, Saturdays in February 2024
To celebrate 2024 Black History Month, Saturdays at the Museum were dedicated to Storytelling, Children’s Program, discussing the historical significance of some the artifacts held at the Museum and much more.
Learn About Africa, February 24, 2024
To celebrate Black History Month the BCAACC gave the community an opportunity to learn more about West Africa. Guest of honor was Nimba Tra and her entourage. Guests were able to connect with merchants from West Africa and buy African products. They also experienced the delightful sounds of African drums and music.
BCAACC A Place At The Table, November 23, 2023
To celebrate the very rich history of African American cuisine, the BCAACC invited the community out to a tasting. Some of the food presented and enjoyed had roots that predated the Civil War. Guest enjoyed sweet potatoe pone and pudding, kush, collard greens and more.
Book Talk with Dr. Janice Sumler-Edmund, September 30, 2023
Dr. Janice Sumler-Edmund, who is the author of “The Life and Trials of a Free Woman of Color in Antebellum Georgia” held a “Book Talk” event at the BCAACC. Dr Sumler-Edmund is a HT Professor and a Cedar Creek resident.
BCAACC Unsung Heroes Ceremony, August 24, 2023
The “Unsung Heroes Award” was created by the Bastrop County African American Cultural Center & Freedom Colonies Museum in 2023 to recognize individuals who have devoted their lives to family, community service, and the preservation of African American History, but who have not yet been included in the historical record.
BCAACC Memory Jug Exhibition, June 19, 2023
The BCAACC held an exhibition of thoughtful ancestral Bastrop County Freedom Colony descendants’ Memory Jugs at the historic Kerr-Wilson house during the holiday of Juneteenth. These memory jugs were made to honor the participants ancestors. The descendants of Bastrop’s Freedom Colonies bought in their own memorabilia to create these memory jugs. They bought with them treasured pots, jugs and other containers and decorated them with cherished small objects. The project was spearheaded by Janis-Bergman-Carton, an artist and retired Art professor from Southern University. As an educator Bergman-Carton has spotlighted and researched art related projects that highlight the cultural contributions of historically marginalized communities.
BCAACC Moving Day, June 1, 2023
On May 29, 2023 the BCAACC packed up and began moving from its old location in the Kerr Community Center.
By June 2nd the Museum was set up and ready to receive visitors in its new location at 1303 Pine St. in Bastrop, Texas. Preserving memories by saying goodbye to the old location with a video.
Recognition & Awards Program, May 29, 2023
The BCAACC held a Recognition and Awards program in the Kerr Community Center. The BCAACC honored a BCAACC & Freedom Colonies Museum Founder, Board Member and the organization’s number one benefactor–Mr. David Collins–and also Summus Industries’ CEO Rodney Craig, a very generous corporate sponsor. With heartfelt appreciation, the BCAACC thanks yoou for your kindness and generous donations.
Real Places Conference, February 1-3, 2023
February 1-3, 2023, the “Real Places Conference” was attended by President Doris Williams and BCAACC member David Collins.The Real Places Conference was held in Austin, Texas by the Friends of the Texas Historical Commission. Representing the BCAACC at the conference were Doris Williams and David Collins. The Friends of the Texas Historical Commission mission is to “partner with the Texas Historical Commission to preserve and protect the cultural heritage of Texas…”
American Alliance of Museums Conference, May 19-22, 2022
On May 19-22, 2022, BCAACC’s President Doris Williams attended the AAM Convention.
On behalf of the Bastrop County African American Cultural Center and Museum, BCAACC’s President Doris Williams attended the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) in Boston, Massachusetts. Doris joined over 3,000 other attendees at this convention who had the opportunity to listen to some very knowledgeable and informatiive speakers. Doris also had the opportunity to browse the many Museum Expo booths.
Bastrop Convention Center, April 27, 2022
On April 27, 2022, the BCAACC and Freedom Colonies Museum participated in the Bastrop’s Cultural Arts Commission event.
This event was held at the Bastrop Convention Center. The BCAACC was pleased to introduce event goers to a few of BCAACC’s Freedom Colony cultural artifacts and a poster highlighting the history of one of the Freedom Colonies.
Kerr Community Center Open House, December 4th, 2021
On December 4th, 2021, the Bastrop County African American Cultural Center & Freedom Colonies Museum hosted an Open House at the Kerr Community Center. This Open House was free to the public and also a fundraiser.
The BCAACC hosted this event to give the public an opportunity to experience the Museum’s collection of Bastrop County’s Freedom Colony historical artifacts and Freedom Colony posters. The Freedom Colony posters offered a glimpse into the rich history of the freedom Colonies that are located in Bastrop County, Texas. The BCAACC wants to thank all who came out and supported this effort to help build our future Bastrop County African American Cultural Center.
Bastrop County Museum Exhibit
June 2019 to October 2019
From June 2019 to October 2019, the Bastrop Museum held a “Bastrop County African American Special Exhibit” to showcase the 13+ Freedom Colonies in Bastrop County. The Special Exhibit opened to coincide with the annual Juneteeth celebrations and was well received by the Bastrop community.
It highlighted African American artifacts and descendants of Freedom Colonies in Bastrop County. The African American Exhibit was so well received by the community that it is now a permanent exhibit at the museum.
