The Middlesex County Museum and Historical Society is planning an exhibition that will showcase the rich history of African-American businesses in Middlesex County. The exhibition, slated to open in February 2023, will tell the little-known stories of some of the county’s enterprising Black entrepreneurs of the 19th and 20th centuries who invested their labor, time, and money in their own business ventures. A broad array of enterprises will be featured: retail and professional operations, sole proprietors, including anyone who was self-employed.
Members of the public are asked to lend objects to be used in the exhibition. A variety of items are being sought: pictures of business owners, employees, and business buildings; documents, including business/professional licenses, invoices, leases, contracts, business cards, printed ads, etc.; objects such as business signs, tools, work clothing; and promotional materials, such as calendars, bookmarks, and fans.
Photographs will be immediately scanned and returned to the owner with copies used in the exhibition. Objects will be lent to the museum for the duration of the exhibition and then returned to the owner. Exhibition literature will acknowledge lenders.
If you would like to lend items for the exhibition or have questions, call either of the following members of the museum’s Black Business Committee: Griselda Amy Bayton at 443-2018, Hallie Holmes at 854-5906, Patricia Polson Satterfield at 758-2202, Nancy West at 301-814-1417, or Bessida Cauthorne White at 651-8753.
The Middlesex County Museum is at 777 General Puller Highway (Route 33) in Saluda. Its hours are 1-5 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays and 1-3 p.m. Sundays. For information, call 758-3663.
