February 17, 2019 – (Key West, FL). Panel of renowned historians and community leaders to discuss Bahama Village’s contribution to Key West history
On Wednesday, February 27 from 5:30pm-7:00pm, Key West Art & Historical Society invites the public to celebrate the island’s Bahamian heritage and culture with renowned local historians and community leaders Tom Hambright, Clayton Lopez, Jeff Stotts, Corey Malcom, Carmen Turner, and Roosevelt Sands at the San Carlos Institute, 516 Duval Street, where they will present a panel discussion about Bahama Village’s contribution to Key West History.
Key West City Commissioner Lopez will moderate the discussion as well as share his family memories of growing up in Bahama Village and the effect that segregation had on the members of the community. Panelist Jeff Stotts will discuss African Americans in mid-nineteenth century Key West and their contributions to the building of Fort Jefferson and Fort Zachary Taylor. Corey Malcom, Director of Archaeology at the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum, will show where the unmarked graves are believed to be at Fort West Martello and their significance on the eradication of the slave trade. Roosevelt Sands will discuss the multi-cultural aspects of what was referred to as “black town” and the legacy of some of the most prominent families. Carmen Turner, former commissioner for Bahama Village, will focus on the progress of Bahama Village from her childhood until the present, and Monroe County Historian Tom Hambright will pull from his knowledge of over 50 years of Key West history to lend to the discussion.
Seating is limited and on a first-come first-serve basis for this free event, part of the KWAHS Distinguished Speaker Series program. Doors open at 5:00 pm. For more information, contact Society Director of Education Kristina Callaway at 305-295-6616 x 115 or at [email protected]. Your Museums. Your Community. It takes an Island.
IMAGE: The public is invited celebrate the island’s Bahamian heritage and culture with historians and community leaders Tom Hambright, Clayton Lopez, Jeff Stotts, Corey Malcom, Carmen Turner, and Roosevelt Sands on February 27, from 5:30-7:00pm at the San Carlos Institute, 516 Duval Street, where they will present a moderated panel discussion about Bahama Village’s contribution to Key West History. (Photo of Key West from the lighthouse looking north from the Wright Langley Collection)
