SARASOTA COUNTY – Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources is inviting the community to celebrate Black History Month with the Congressman Robert Smalls Exhibit at the North Sarasota Public Library, starting Feb. 1
The exhibit, which runs through Feb. 28, tells the story of how Smalls’ escaped slavery, joined the Union Army, and was elected to the South Carolina legislature and United State Congress. He later submitted legislation that created the first public schools in South Carolina and the Marine Corp Recruit Depot Parris Island.
This important exhibit has been travelling the country since 2008, and is being made available with the support of one of Robert Smalls’ descendants, Sarasota resident Helen Boulware Moore.
Several activities are planned at the North Sarasota Library to commemorate the exhibition, including a partnership with the Sarasota County School District to offer field trip options to the library.
An open house will be held at 5:30 p.m., Friday, Feb. 3, and include a short program, guided tour and refreshments. Three descendants of Congressman Smalls will be present for an informative discussion. The library will also host a kids day from noon to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 18, featuring food, games and activities.
All events and activities are free and open to the public. North Sarasota Public Library, located at 2801 Newtown Blvd., Sarasota.
For more information, call the Sarasota County Contact Center at 941-861-5000 or visit www.scgov.net/library.