Grants for African-American Programming
African-American programming at the museum got a major boost from a generous grant provided by the Indianapolis Foundation, a Central Indiana Community Foundation affiliate. The grant is being used to develop scripts and classroom materials to present two additional characters. These characters are Abigail Gray, an 1859 abolitionist working with the Underground Railroad, and Ransom B. Warfield, a fictional black Civil War soldier from Indiana serving with the 28th United States Colored Troops.
Now performing throughout the museum in the Governor Frank O’Bannon Great Hall and various galleries, the Legacy Theater Troupe uses live performances to interpret Indiana’s rich African-American culture through stories, song, and drama.
One of the Troupe’s regulars is actress Stephanie Butler, who performs “Stories with Stevi” and portrays Madam C.J. Walker. Commenting on the museum’s African-American programs, she says: “The stories, the pictures, the songs all resonate in me a tone of pride, admiration and motivation. It reminds me of my responsibility to my people and legacy which I must pass on for a legacy yet to be.”
Sharon Kirk Clifton portrays Abigail Gray, and Michael Smith portrays Ransom B. Warfield.
The Indianapolis Foundation grant is also providing enhancements to interactive school programs and workshops. Rodney Lomax, Director of African-American Programs, says: “The grant from the Indianapolis Foundation/Central Indiana Community Foundation helps us to build upon our earlier successes and expand the range of stories we tell.”
Audience development is an important museum goal, and “the grant also supports community outreach so that the Indiana State Museum performers can appear at key community events, like Black Expo, which are attended by large numbers of people,” said Lomax.
Come and see these exciting engaging performances that bring Indiana’s history to life!
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