Eleanor Roosevelt “We Make Our Own History” Forums Benefiting the Catharine Street Community Center
Staff | February 21, 2012 | Comment2:00 p.m. on February 26, 2012 and March 25, 2012 – Pre-registration required
The FDR Presidential Library, the Catharine Street Community Center and the Roosevelt Institute will host the third annual Eleanor Roosevelt “We Make Our Own History” Forums in February and March 2012. The first forum, featuring Paul Stewart, co-founder of the Underground Railroad History Project of the Capital Region, Inc., is on February 26, 2012 in commemoration of African American History Month. The second forum, “Eleanor Roosevelt & Civil Rights: What You Might Not Know, But Should!” with Roosevelt historian Allida Black, will be held on March 25, 2012 in honor of Women’s History Month. Both forums will begin at 2:00 p.m. in the Henry A. Wallace Center at the FDR Presidential Library and Home and will include a book talk, signing and reception. Proceeds benefit the Catharine Street Community Center in Poughkeepsie, New York and the education programs of Roosevelt Library.
Pre-registration and an admission fee is required for both events (February 26 only, $25; March 25 only, $25; or both programs, $40). Call (845) 486-7745 for registration information. To download the registration form visit www.fdrlibrary.marist.edu/publicprograms/pdfs/erforums.pdf.
On February 26, 2012, beginning at 2:00 p.m., Paul Stewart, co-founder of the Underground Railroad History Project of the Capital Region, Inc., will present an illustrated lecture on the history of the Underground Railroad in the Albany, New York area and the nonprofit organization he established to celebrate its history. The Underground Railroad History Project of the Capital Region, Inc. (URHPCR, Inc.) strives to reclaim and share the voices of freedom seekers, African American abolitionists and their supporters through public education, research, preservation, and community involvement. The Capital Region of New York State was visited by thousands of fugitives seeking freedom in the years prior to the Civil War. URHPCR, Inc. seeks to acknowledge the active Underground Railroad movement in the Albany region, to raise awareness about and stimulate interest in this movement, to understand it in its historic context, to encourage the recognition of local historic figures and the activities in which they engaged, and to preserve that history.
On March 25, 2012, beginning at 2:00 p.m., Allida Black will present a talk entitled, “Eleanor Roosevelt & Civil Rights: What You Might Not Know, But Should!” Prof. Black is Executive Editor of the fdr4freedoms Digital Initiative of the Roosevelt Institute, an education and advocacy program dedicated to the Four Freedoms. She serves as Founding Editor and Editorial Advisory Board Chair of The Eleanor Roosevelt Papers, a project designed to preserve, teach and apply Eleanor Roosevelt’s writings and discussions of human rights and democratic politics. A popular author, commentator and lecturer, Professor Black frequently speaks before audiences ranging from the general public to members of Congress to human rights associations and international women’s organizations. She is a member of the Board of Directors of the Eleanor Roosevelt Legacy Committee, the Center for New Deal Studies, the National Coalition for History, secretary of the Gaea Foundation, and a director of the Liberian Education Trust.
Catharine Street Community Center, in Poughkeepsie, New York, promotes and coordinates educational, health, and cultural programming that enriches and enhances the lives of individuals, children, and families. Visit www.catharinecenter.org.
The Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum is dedicated to preserving historical material and providing innovative educational programs, community events, and public outreach. It is one of thirteen presidential libraries administered by the National Archives and Records Administration. For information about the FDR Presidential Library call (800) 337-8474 or visit www.fdrlibrary.marist.edu.
Historic Hyde Park is a group of government and private non-profit organizations based in Hyde Park, New York. Each has a unique mission, but all are united in their dedication to extending the legacy of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt to new generations. HHP includes the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum, the Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site, Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site, the Eleanor Roosevelt Center at Val-Kill, the Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt Institute, and Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site. For more information about HHP visit www.HistoricHydePark.org.