Developed by the Burleigh Legacy Alliance in partnership with the Hagen History Center and Erie Yesterday, “Discovering Black Erie” is a portable exhibit made up of five retractable banners highlighting the lives and accomplishments of several members of the Lawrence family, a well-known Erie family with deep roots in the historic Jerusalem neighborhood. The family’s legacy is housed at the Hagen History Center in the Burleigh Legacy Alliance’s Ada Lawrence & Johnny Johnson Archival Collection, which provided much of the content for the exhibit.
At the heart of the exhibit is the premise that, “Studying history through individual stories offers a powerful and personal way to understand the broader narrative of our community and nation’s history. By learning the stories of the Lawrence family, and the stories of others, a full and more accurate history of Erie emerges.” It is designed to for use in libraries, schools, reception areas, and other public spaces.
“Discovering Black Erie” was made possible by an Empowered History grant from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. The purpose of the Empowered History micro-grant program was to inspire and enable communities in Pennsylvania to preserve and share their history and engage community members with it.
Interested in having your site host this exhibit? Download the exhibit loan form, which contains instructions and contact information.
