Exploring Jefferson County's Rich African American Heritage at New Museum Exhibit
Jefferson County Museum adds exhibit focused on Reconstruction Era
The Journal | Monday, November 25, 2024
By Tom Markland
The Journal reports on a new exhibit at the Jefferson County Museum in Charles Town, highlighting the Reconstruction Era and the Black history of Jefferson County. The centerpiece of the exhibit is an original church pew from First Zion Baptist Church, built in 1894, which served African American congregations for nearly a century. Historian Lynn Pechuekonis presented her research on the area's rich Black heritage, showcasing significant local landmarks and Black entrepreneurs, including Hill Top House and John H. Hill, the first Black attorney in West Virginia. The exhibit, titled 'Reconstructing Jefferson County', aims to educate visitors about the historical contributions of the African American community, enhancing the understanding of the county's diverse past.
