A Celebration of Community - Dr. Jesse Erickson & Dr. Curtis Small

Celebrate the history and legacy of Newark’s vibrant School Hill community during this half-day event.

Initially built in 1922 with funding from P.S. du Pont and the Delaware School Auxiliary Association, the New London Avenue School in Newark, Delaware, served African American children in grades 1-8 until integration took place in 1958. The school and surrounding property, known as “School Hill,” was an important meeting place for neighborhood residents for social and recreational gatherings as well. In 1961, the City of Newark purchased the building and grounds and it ultimately became the George Wilson Center.

The celebration will bring together the people who shaped the community’s history, and feature presentations from prominent members of Newark’s community, digital preservation professionals and Delaware history experts. Throughout the afternoon, you will explore research on Black communities in Delaware using digital and physical resources, and learn how to preserve your personal historical documents and stories.

There are four 30-minute presentations with time for questions. Presentations include:

• “The History of School Hill” with Freeman L. Williams
• “The Peter Spencer Churches of Newark” with Syl Woolford
• “Passing It Down: Archival Practice for Family and Home” with Jesse R. Erickson and Curtis Small
• “The Mitchell Center and Journey to Freedom” with Kobe Baker

The event is held in partnership with the NAACP of Newark, Friends of School Hill, Delaware Historical Society and Newark Historical Society. 

This celebration is open to the public. Registration is required. Once registered you will receive an email with details on how to join via Zoom.

This program is supported, in part, by a grant from the Delaware Library Association. The Delaware Library Association promotes the profession of librarianship, advocates for library services, and works to increase public awareness of the value and impact of libraries.