LEONARDTOWN, MD – In celebration of Juneteenth, St. Mary’s County Government’s Museum Division and the Unified Committee for Afro-American Contributions (UCAC) will host free open houses at the Drayden African American Schoolhouse. These events will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 15, Sunday, June 16, and Wednesday, June 19, 2024.
The Drayden African American Schoolhouse, a significant historical site, is recognized as one of the best-preserved one-room African American schoolhouses in the United States. This historic site offers visitors a glimpse into the educational experiences of African American students up until the mid-20th century in St. Mary’s County.
Karen Stone, Manager of the St. Mary’s County Museum Division, expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming events. “We are so pleased to open the Drayden African American Schoolhouse during Juneteenth weekend, so that our community can learn more about this important piece of our county’s African American history,” Stone stated. She also extended gratitude to the volunteers, primarily UCAC members, who staff the interpretive center.
The Museum Division extends its educational outreach by offering special programs tailored for school groups, bus tours, and other organized visits. Individuals interested in visiting the Drayden Schoolhouse outside of the scheduled open house hours can make arrangements by contacting the Piney Point Lighthouse Museum at (301) 994-1471. Additional information can be found on their Facebook page at Facebook.com/DraydenSchool.
The St. Mary’s County Museum Division was established to safeguard and interpret the rich natural and cultural histories of St. Mary’s County and the Potomac River area. The division oversees various historic sites, including the St. Clement’s Island Museum, Piney Point Lighthouse Museum, the Old Jail Museum, and the Drayden African American Schoolhouse. These efforts ensure the preservation and appreciation of the county’s heritage.
For more details on the Museum Division’s activities and sites, please visit their website at museums.stmarysmd.com.
