LEONARDTOWN, MD – In a commemorative nod to Black History Month, St. Mary’s County beckons the public to celebrate the pivotal contributions of African Americans by visiting two historic sites: the U.S. Colored Troops (USCT) Interpretive Center in Lexington Park and the Drayden African American Schoolhouse.
Throughout February, these landmarks will open their doors for free, offering a deep dive into the area’s rich tapestry of African American history. The USCT Interpretive Center welcomes visitors on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., specifically on February 7, 10, 14, 17, 21, 24, and 28. Meanwhile, the Drayden African American Schoolhouse will host free tours on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., on February 10, 17, and 24.
The USCT Interpretive Center is a beacon of valor and bravery, showcasing the heroic deeds of two St. Mary’s County natives who were bestowed with the Congressional Medal of Honor. Their service in the 38th Infantry Regiment of the U.S. Colored Troops and their gallantry at the Battle of New Market Heights, Virginia, in 1864, are central to the exhibit. A trail connecting the Interpretive Center in Lexington Manor Passive Park with John G. Lancaster Park offers further insight into the Civil War era and the significant role played by African American troops, culminating in a statue commemorating their service.
A step into the Drayden African American Schoolhouse transports visitors back to an era where education for African American students was a journey of perseverance and resilience. This one-room schoolhouse, among the nation’s most well-preserved, narrates the educational endeavors of African American children in St. Mary’s County up until the mid-20th century.
Staff at both sites are on hand to provide enriching stories and answer any questions, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the site’s historical significance.
The USCT Interpretive Center is at 21675 S. Coral Drive in Lexington Park, Maryland. For further information, interested parties can call (301) 769-2222 or visit their Facebook page at Facebook.com/USCTCenter and select “events.”
Similarly, the Drayden African American Schoolhouse at 18287 Cherryfield Road in Drayden, Maryland, offers additional insights into the county’s African American educational history. For more details, visitors can call (301) 994-1471 or check out their Facebook page at Facebook.com/DraydenSchool and click “events.”
This February, St. Mary’s County honors the legacy of African Americans and educates and inspires through the powerful stories of courage, determination, and achievement embedded in its history.
