A group of local organizations have teamed up to launch the African American Heritage Trail, a self-guided historical itinerary throughout Lebanon County.
The trail was launched in celebration of February’s Black History Month.
The trail is a partnership between the Lebanon County branch of the NAACP, Visit Lebanon Valley, the Lebanon County Historical Society, St. John A.M.E. Church, and Cornwall Iron Furnace.
Read More: Lebanon County NAACP chapter earns national standing as fully fledged branch
“We are delighted to offer this new window on African American history in Lebanon County,” said Tony Fields, pastor of St. John’s United Church of Christ in Fredericksburg and president of the NAACP branch.
“Like many communities around the country and commonwealth, we are only beginning to discover the little-known stories that, woven together, form the tapestry of our common heritage as Americans.”
Guides for the trail will be available for pickup at the the Visit Lebanon Valley Welcome Center, Cornwall Iron Furnace, and the Lebanon County Historical Society.
According to the press release, the NAACP hopes that in sharing stories and provoking conversations about the history of African Americans in the area, the organization will also advance its fight for equal rights with no racial hatred or discrimination.
The trail can be reviewed in-depth on Visit Lebanon Valley’s website. Sites on the trail include:
- Governor Dick Park
- Cornwall Iron Furnace
- St. John A.M.E. Church
- Lebanon County Historical Society
- Light’s Fort
- Fort Indiantown Gap National Cemetery
On Saturday, Feb. 25, a gala will be held at the Lebanon County Historical Society celebrating the new trail. Tickets are available for $40 per person. To RSVP or get more details on the gala, contact the NAACP branch at naacp.leb.co.pa@gmail.com.
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