Celebrate Black History Month in Forsyth
We need to haunt the house of history and listen anew to the ancestor’s wisdom. – Maya Angelou
To forget one’s ancestors is to be a brook without a source, a tree without a root. – Chinese Proverb
For a unique and, in our eyes, essential day of education and immersion, we suggest some time at our local museums. Forsyth is rich in history, and her citizens have dedicated themselves to preserving and curating many incredible archives, artifacts, stories, and more.
The locations listed in this itinerary may require pre-planning and, possibly, appointments, but we will share all vital contact information for your convenience. We promise you that the time you take to plan is well worth it when you experience these one-of-a-kind museums and archives.
Preserving the Past
Lifting records, photos, artifacts, and timelines from the dust of the past is a quest that matters greatly. Knowing where you come from, who paved the way, and where they all ended up is essential to our community and all communities. As is commonly said, We are our ancestors’ wildest dreams!
Two incredible museums in the William Hubbard Complex right here in Forsyth are committed to elevating the stories of our local African American heritage.
Hubbard Museum & Cultural Center
The Hubbard Museum & Cultural Center resides in the remaining historic structures of the segregated public school and the State Teacher’s & Agricultural College founded by William Hubbard.
William founded a small school with seven students in a small church in 1900. Eventually, it grew into an accredited elementary and high school program with the addition of a Training College dedicated to equipping Black teachers to continue the progress of the Black community through quality education. By 1927, over 2000 students had attended these schools. Samuel Hubbard followed in his parent’s footsteps and became an educator. He was the principal of the Hubbard schools from 1939 until 1970 when local schools were desegregated. He then became a member of the Monroe County Board of Education. You can imagine the incredible challenges, powerful partnerships and tumultuous years encountered throughout the school’s operation.
Today, the grounds house the Hubbard Museum & Cultural Center, stocked with timelines, memorabilia, class histories, lists of employees, and much more. The Museum is open from 1-5 PM on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays and Sundays monthly. Please visit their website for a much more in-depth retelling of the incredible Hubbard Legacy, and call 478-994-8211 for further information or to schedule a visit.
Telling Our Story: Black History Museum
Also housed in the complex with the Hubbard Museum & Cultural Center is the Telling Our Story: Black History Museum, founded in 2008 by Rosemary Alexander Walker. What began as one woman’s quest to unearth and preserve Black History in Forsyth has grown as families throughout the area have added their history collections with photographs and artifacts dating back to the late 1800s.
Today, Telling Our Story contains many items covering African American achievements, milestones, family memories and records of remarkable Monroe County graduates, including doctors, teachers and five NFL athletes.
Plan to spend a couple of hours in both the Hubbard Museum & Cultural Center and Telling Our Story: Black History Museum on the same day to simplify planning. Appointments are required for Telling Our Story. Call 478-394-2972, and find more information on their website.
Snacks on the Brain?
After a few hours immersed in the rich history of our African American community, don’t forget to stop by the Courthouse Square, where you will find lots of delicious choices, like Scoops for a sweet treat or Georgia Bob’s BBQ if your belly needs a bit more filling. You may also want to stop by Her Majesty Kitchen to taste the yummy makings of Chef Chelsia.
One More Museum, One More Stop
After dining on all the yumminess you can handle, just a few blocks away is the Monroe County Historical Society Museum on Johnston Street. They are open Wednesday-Friday, 9-4 or call in advance for an appointment! You will find this fantastic collection of archives, artifacts, photographs, and records housed in three unique and historic railroad buildings that date back to the 1840s. The principal collection is located in a brick passenger depot built in 1899. This genealogy lover’s paradise is full of helpful resources and extensive records. Call 478-994-5070 or visit www.mchsga.org to plan your visit!
Looking for spontaneity? Give the Forsyth Foxhunt a try. Search for the little bronze foxes in historic downtown Forsyth. Clues are available 24/7 at the Welcome Center, 20 N. Jackson St. – right next to Scoops!
We think history buffs and curious minds will enjoy this half-day of exploring the past. Take lots of pics and share them on #sweetlifeforsyth and #forsyth_cvb to complete your memory-making day, and visit again soon!
