In addition to the park's many continuing programs on African-American heritage, during the month of February and extending into the first week of March (and the anniversary of the Dred Scott Decision), Jefferson National Expansion Memorial will present a series of interesting events spotlighting little-known stories of courage and individualism. On Friday, February 6 at 9:30 and 11:00 a.m., and Saturday, February 7 at 1:00 p.m. Cathay Williams – A Buffalo Soldier will be portrayed by local storyteller Loretta Washington, who relates the fascinating story of how a woman concealed her identity and her gender to become a Buffalo Soldier in the United States Army after the Civil War. The Friday programs will be at the Historic Old Courthouse in the rotunda, while the Saturday program will be in the Museum of Westward Expansion beneath the Gateway Arch.
On Friday, February 13 and Saturday, February 14, the members of Company A – 10th Memorial Cavalry Buffalo Soldiers will once more visit the Museum of Westward Expansion beneath the Gateway Arch. This reenactment group, composed entirely of volunteers from Fort Concho Historic Site and Museum in San Angelo, Texas, teaches students and visitors about the vital role the Buffalo Soldiers played in American history. Programs will be given at 9:30, 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. on Friday and 11:00 a.m., 1:00, 2:00 and 3:00 p.m. on Saturday.
“A Black Woman’s Civil War Memoirs by Susie King Taylor” will be presented by local storyteller Carole Shelton on Friday, February 20 at 9:30 and 11:00 a.m. in the rotunda of the Old Courthouse, and Saturday, February 21 at 1:00 p.m. beneath the Arch. Based on a memoir published in 1901, the program recounts the adventures of a former slave who joined a northern regiment in South Carolina during the Civil War to work as a laundress, teamster, teacher, and nurse. The memoir reflected a black woman’s point of view of the Civil War and its unfulfilled promises.
Lastly, the story of Bill Pickett, American rodeo cowboy, will be presented by educator Ed Green, who will discuss cowboy life, rodeos, and wild west shows. Examples of tools and clothing will be utilized in this hands-on program, presented in the museum beneath the Gateway Arch on Friday, February 27 at 9:30 and 11:00 a.m., and Saturday, February 28 at 1:00 p.m.
School and community groups attending Friday presentations must make reservations by calling (314) 655-1700 to ensure seating.
