The Kennard African American Cultural Heritage Center (KAACHC) chronicles African American life in both Queen Anne’s County and the nation, with an emphasis on the period that the Kennard High School (KHS) operated, 1936-1966.
Twenty years ago it was the goal of a few individuals, the Kennard Alumni Association, to restore the degrading building. From this restoration the African American History Museum was created and has become the cornerstone of their mission – “to provide a learning resource that models the history and culture of the African American community in Queen Anne’s County.”
From the organization’s Website, “The restored high school and museum provides a window into the rich history and heritage of African American culture on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. The museum replicates the school’s original science classroom and will be a permanent exhibit with text panels, recorded audio/video histories, and artifacts donated by former staff, students, and community.”
The center’s motto is “Caretakers of the past. Guardians of the future.”
On June 12, 2021 the KAACHA held a combination Juneteenth Ceremony and with the Queen Anne’s Historical Society the opening of the Smithsonian’s Museum on Main Street exhibit “Voices and Votes: Democracy in America”
The Juneteenth celebration was an opportunity to educate and dialogue with all citizens and reflect on our shared history in Queen Anne’s County.
The Voices and Votes exhibit “has many dynamic features: historical and contemporary photos; educational and archival video; engaging multimedia interactives with short games and additional footage, photos, and information; and historical objects like campaign souvenirs, voter memorabilia, and protest material.”
Smithsonian Exhibit – Voices and Votes
Now – July 24, 2021
Hours:
Wednesday -Friday: 3pm-7pm
Saturday and Sunday 10-2
The KAACHC is located at 410 Little Kidwell Ace, Centreville, MD. Their Website is kennardheritage.com
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Each Sunday a photo-essay by photographer SG (Steve) Atkinson will appear with information and photographs of ‘Points of Interest’ on the MD Eastern Shore. Click Here to see previous photo-essays.
Visit his Website ShoreToBePhotographs.com for more information about him and his work.
