Since 1976, Americans have acknowledged African American History Month in February. At Tryon Palace, the integral role of African Americans in our state’s heritage is recognized year-round with programs, lectures, and daily site interpretation and exhibits. We strive to reveal and explore the achievements, challenges, and successes of African Americans over the course of North Carolina’s history and make their stories more accessible.
With that goal, and with the mission to engage present and future generations in the history of North Carolina, Tryon Palace is pleased to offer several programs throughout the year that highlight African American history.
Our popular free African American Lecture Series features speakers from around the country. Lectures are held on the third Thursday every other month, including a lecture on February 21.
Tryon Palace’s Jonkonnu Troupe brings to life a dynamic celebration of African American culture, a holiday tradition with roots in Jamaica and West Africa. This program educates about the lives of enslaved people through music, dance, and colorful costumes. A free Jonkonnu camp is offered each summer. The Jonkonnu Troupe performs at many events, including Multicultural Day, an event celebrating the many cultural identities of eastern North Carolinians.
Tryon Palace is working to offer an annual symposium spotlighting important topics in African American history. 2018’s symposium explored dance, music, and storytelling from Jonkonnu to hip-hop. A 2019 symposium will present lectures about the United States Colored Troops (USCT). We are proud to have an interpretive unit of United States Colored Troops—the 35th NC—who educate the public through living history at numerous events around the state. Members of the unit portray men who served in the 35th USCT and engage audiences with their stories. The 35th USCT is featured at Civil War Day, which will coincide with this year’s Symposium in September.
By Amber Satterthwaite, Director of Education, Tryon Palace
Tryon Palace • 529 South Front Street • New Bern, NC 28562 • 252-639-3500 • www.tryonpalace.org