Mother Bethel AME

I went to church on Sunday to the historic Mother Bethel AME church which is located on 6th and Lumbard Streets in Philadelphia. I don't know why I had never visited before considering how much work I have done wth churches all across PA, NJ and NY over the past ten years. I guess it was destined to be a special experience for me. I felt soo much history there. The combination of church worship and historical sensations was a breathtaking feeling. I visited the Richard Allen Museum in the churches lower level. The artifacts included original church furniture and Bibles, several houseware items from the Allen's home, photographs. A painted mural by my artist associate and friend, James Dupree of Philadelphia greets you at the entrance and of course the tomb of Richard Allen and others. No pictures were allowed to be taken.

The Pastor of the church, Dr. Tyler, came to my studio to visit today, he encouraged my work on the Underground Railroad and was happy to know that Mother Bethel AME would be a part of my art in the near future. I agreed to work with the church to celebrate the 250th Anniversary of Richard Allen's birth in 2010. Stay tuned as my works develop to honor the history of this great church and its historic African American leaders.

CLOSING OF A HISTORY MUSEUM

This week I heard the unfortunate news that the Philadelphia Civil War and Underground Railroad Museum had lost its funding. The original plans called for the temporary closing and move from its site located at 18th and Pine Street to a newer and better fascility in Old City. I was excited about the transition and looked forward to a more appropriate display space. As things stand now in this economy, the museum has now been closed on a permanent level due to budget cuts from the state. Another political promise broken and along with many hearts of history lovers like myself. I hope that the Union League will save the archives and collectable as much as possible from leaving Philly.

Inspirational - Camp William Penn, Lamott, PA

Discovering Camp William Penn in the summer of 2008 was a significant turning point in my thought process. I went to school, Tyler School of Art, in Elkins Park, three blocks away from LaMott Township but never knew that this historic site was there. I was introduced to this gem of American history through a new contact at the Underground Railroad Museum. I visited the site first in June 08 and then began to photograph the site in early 09. I found a kinship with the the African American Union Army soldiers who served there. I knew that they would be gathered in and around my new art. I formed a relationship with the board of the museum; it is my intention to raise the awareness of these great men and the citizens of LaMott who helped to change American history. Below are two of many images which document my fisrt photography day at CWP. Look for the 'Gateway To Liberty' entry to become a very important piece of mixed media art in my next exhibit. There will be many more as I dedicate "Private Visions" to the companies (over 10,900 of black service men) who gave their lives with valor and honor at a time of unequalled struggle in America.

Tour of Fort Mifflin with USCT Reenactors

I took a tour of Fort Mifflin on April 5th, to understand a military base in reality. I was invited by CROHL, and Camp William Penn. I was able to learn soo much about the troops in the Revelutionary War as well as see Colored Troops (Civil War/Union Soldiers) in full uniform. Fredrick Douglass and Robert Smalls, African American abolitionist/activist, stopped by to review the soldiers. The cannon launch made my stumach tremble. We were instructed to open our mouths and close our ears before the cannon was fired. The artifacts and remaining archtecture, structures were a photographers dream. You must take your family there when you visit Philadelphia to see how we kept the Deleware fort from the Brittish with rows of cannons.