(Feb. 5, 2015) Composer Charles Albert Tindley is the first Berliner to get the spotlight at the town’s Visitor’s Center on 14 South Main Street.
The center, with the help of the Calvin B. Taylor House, is presenting a Tindley exhibit in honor of Black History Month.
The idea was hatched by Main Street Coordinator and Economic and Community Development Director Ivy Wells, who simply said, “I wanted to do something.”
“I asked, ‘What do we usually do for Black History Month?’ and no one seemed to have an answer,” she said.
Wells worked with volunteer Cassandra Brown to put together the display, which touts Tindley as the “father of gospel music,” and includes pictures and printouts, along with a rotating digital photo display.
“She set this up and she definitely deserves all the credit,” Wells said. “Also it’s Black History Month and I think we, as a town, should celebrate that just like we should celebrate all of Berlin and its history.”
Wells hopes the display kicks off an ongoing history corner in the center that highlights the heritage of the town.
“One of the months, I’m going to be working with [Lower Shore Land Trust Director] Kate Patton to do nature history, and, in June I, think we’re going to be doing a whole ‘Runaway Bride’ exhibit,” Wells said.
On Saturday, the center will present authors Dr. Clara Small and Rev. David Briddell, who will sign their new book, “Compass Point,” from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Johnny Beasley and the Circle of Harmony will offer a hymn sing, from noon to 1 p.m.
The Berlin Visitor’s Center is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, visit www.mainstreetberlin.com.
The center, with the help of the Calvin B. Taylor House, is presenting a Tindley exhibit in honor of Black History Month.
The idea was hatched by Main Street Coordinator and Economic and Community Development Director Ivy Wells, who simply said, “I wanted to do something.”
“I asked, ‘What do we usually do for Black History Month?’ and no one seemed to have an answer,” she said.
Wells worked with volunteer Cassandra Brown to put together the display, which touts Tindley as the “father of gospel music,” and includes pictures and printouts, along with a rotating digital photo display.
“She set this up and she definitely deserves all the credit,” Wells said. “Also it’s Black History Month and I think we, as a town, should celebrate that just like we should celebrate all of Berlin and its history.”
Wells hopes the display kicks off an ongoing history corner in the center that highlights the heritage of the town.
“One of the months, I’m going to be working with [Lower Shore Land Trust Director] Kate Patton to do nature history, and, in June I, think we’re going to be doing a whole ‘Runaway Bride’ exhibit,” Wells said.
On Saturday, the center will present authors Dr. Clara Small and Rev. David Briddell, who will sign their new book, “Compass Point,” from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Johnny Beasley and the Circle of Harmony will offer a hymn sing, from noon to 1 p.m.
The Berlin Visitor’s Center is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, visit www.mainstreetberlin.com.