The Marion Public Library Museum is showcasing a new exhibit on the nationally recognized Free Black Farm Settlement of Grant County.
Dr. Kersten Priest, associate professor of sociology at IWU, and her husband, Dr. Robert Priest, professor of anthropology at Taylor University, worked with a small team of students, library staff and many community members over the last two summers to research and organize the exhibit.
Bearing the name of one of the settlement’s earliest families – Weavers – the “Welcome to Weaver” exhibit marks the 100th anniversary of the Pettiford-Weaver family reunion, tracing the settlement’s historic Black abolitionist strategy to build a thriving free pre-Civil War farm community. This strategy was meant to build wealth and provide a destination for those on the road to freedom.
The community’s broader civil rights legacy is also on display.
Emancipation papers, a blacksmith’s hammer and many other rare artifacts are among the items visitors will find on display. Guests will have opportunities to learn about other historical figures from the Grant County community, such as Tuskegee Director of Flight Training, Dr. Lewis A. Jackson, after whom IWU’s Jackson Library was named.
The project turned out to be a great learning opportunity for the students. “When the library’s administrators surprised us with an invitation to put on a full exhibit it was an ‘offer’ too good to refuse,” said Kersten. “But it meant a major shift in research plans, so we had to do a 180 with our small team of students. The students got to see what happens when a professional has to completely readjust plans, give up a sense of ‘perfection,’ and go with the flow. And, without the students, we could never have achieved the goal!”
The “Welcome to Weaver” exhibit is available to visitors now through the end of the year in the historic Carnegie Building, located next to the Marion Public Library.
For more information, visit https://www.marion.lib.in.us/museum or contact library staff.