Carver Museum Summer Camps #It'sSummerTimeY'all 
Peter Pan

13: The Musical
 
Youth Arts Safari Show N' Tell

This summer, the Carver covered two summer camps.  Broadway Bound presented two bravo-filled, standing ovation-making theatrical productions.  Moreover, Youth Arts Safari had its highest number of attendees with more than 40 campers enrolled over three weeks.  We had a lot of laughter, tears, pride and joy!  Thank you campers, parents/guardians, volunteers, interns and staff.  We extend a special thanks to the Washington Family and the George Washington Carver Ambassadors for your donations to our camps.
 

Apply Now! 
MBK (My Brother's Keeper) Coding Makerspace 
 
Session Dates:
September 30,  10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
October 14 and 28,  10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
November 4 and 11,  10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
December 2, 9, 20-23 and 30, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Here is a FREE opportunity for Black and Hispanic young men in 4th-12th grades and their parents to attend a FREE Coding Makerspace session at the Carver Museum. Attendees will join a Cyber Patriot apprenticeship team, create digital problem solving projects, and prepare for jobs in cybersecurity!

If you know young men of color, please let them know about the MBK Coding Makerspace. Free breakfast and lunch, plus electronic kits.

Request Information and Application
Model of the Southgate-Lewis House 
Designed by Ethan E. Williams
Austin, Texas


One year shy of 130 years old, the historic landmark of the Southgate-Lewis House at 1501 E. 12 th Street stands as testament to the changing times of the East Austin African-American neighborhood. Robert C. Lambie, a Real Estate Developer and Contractor, built the late Victorian style home in 1888 for John Southgate, a Printer and Bookbinder. In 1913, Charles Lewis, the patriarch of an African-American family, purchased the house. The Southgate-Lewis House remained in the Lewis Family for over 50 years!
 
Charles' children, old enough to attain jobs, contributed to the household income, while the wife and mother, Martha, kept house. Charles, Jr., his only son, taught classes at Samuel Huston College. Mae Dee, his eldest daughter, taught schoolchildren in their home in the early years and taught for many years afterwards in the Austin Public Schools. Mae Dee lived in the house until her death in 1970.  
 
The W.H. Passon Society acquired the house in 1986 as its headquarters and operated the Jacob Fontaine Religious Museum inside of it. Supporters of the society, the museum and preserving the historic house included Ada DeBlanc Simond. Simond grew up as a lifelong friend and neighbor of the Lewis Family. The Lewis Family inspired her to write a series of children's books in the late 1970s with titles beginning with "Mae Dee and Her Family...," which incorporated their historic house into the story.
 
The Mount Olive Grand Chapter of Texas, Order of the Eastern Star, presented this model of the Southgate-Lewis House to Simond for her dedication to preserving African-American heritage in East Austin. 


Juneteenth Exhibit (Core Exhibit)


On June 19, 1865 enslaved men and women in Texas learned they were free.  Juneteenth, a Celebration of Freedom, is the Carver's core exhibit dedicated to the history and evolution of the holiday. We are proud to be the first museum in the nation to feature a permanent exhibit honoring this Texas-born day of jubilee. Through a combination of visual and interactive activities, every day is Juneteenth at the Carver Museum!



Black Pioneer Families of Austin
Main Gallery

Our permanent exhibit Black Pioneer Families of Austin highlights 10 families who have contributed greatly to the Central Texas landscape. From the area's first black settlements to some of this generation's strongest community leaders, this interactive gallery explores the history of Austin's African-American community and allows guests to present their own family genealogies through an interactive family tree.



Hope & Glory: 
Frederick Douglass

Renowned African American sculptor Tina Allen (1949-2008) creates portraits of iconic African Americans connected to life, liberty, and the pursuit of the American dream. 
 
Her bust of Frederick Douglass is featured along with an image of the Emancipation Proclamation, authored by President Abraham Lincoln.   That proclamation freed bondsmen, women, and children in states actively rebelling against the Union.  Video interviews by national media with Ms. Allen regarding her work are also featured in exhibition.
 
This exhibition is on loan to the Carver Museum courtesy of the Berri T. McBride Family Trust.
The Children's Gallery

 
The Children's Gallery, entitled Let's Pretend Dr. Carver!, is a hands-on look at accomplished African-American scientists and inventors. Children can  learn about some of history's most creative minds while seeing that they, too, can achieve great things when they put their own minds to work. We invite all visitors to become an inventor for a day!



L.C. Anderson High School
Community Gallery (near theatre entrance)

Located in the historic black community of East Austin, the "Old" L.C. Anderson High School served African Americans prior to the integration of educational institutions in the Austin Independent School District.

Through artifacts, recorded oral histories, and yearbook imagery, this exhibition honors faculty and spotlights the prestige and accomplishments of alumnae in academia, athletics, and music.


A Fist Fight with Destiny for Clarity: Why I Am Here
Artists Gallery

Exhibition runs July 6- September 22, 2017
 
Matthias Pressley (b. 1992), a native of the Bull City-Durham, North Carolina-is a visual artist who characterizes his aesthetic language as Afro-Surrealism. His works of art are dreamlike, sometimes disorienting, and fantasmic. Equally significant, Pressley saturates his paintings and collages with his experiences as a black person who travels between mystical and mortal realms of existence. By defining himself as an "artivist" (i.e. activist-artist), Pressley also grounds his creative works in his identities as a queer person and black feminist.
 
Why I  am Here: A Fistfight with Destiny for Clarity,  provides the viewer with a glimpse into a complex set of visual narratives that mix autobiography with an avowed mission to dismantle misogyny, homophobia, exoticism, and patriarchy. This exhibition is part self-discovery and part-healing. It is a retelling of past turbulent experiences and how surviving a cliffside battle with life's struggles can serve as keys to unlocking the next level in one's journey.  


100% Exhibit Reception and Silent Auction
Community Gallery

Exhibition runs June 30- September 30, 2017

The George Washington Carver Ambassadors, Inc. and Jerry's Artarama present the 11th Annual 100% Community Exhibition and Silent Auction Fundraiser.
 
Funds raised will support educational programming at the Museum. In 2005, the first 100% Fundraiser brought professional artists, youth, families, self-taught image makers and students together in celebration of Austin's inclusive creative community.



Folktales Black Women's Literary Society
A Book Club Discussion
Classroom  
 
Friday, September 15, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. 
  
Discussion of The Wide Circumference of Love: A Novel by Marita Golden.

From an award-winning author, a moving story of acceptance, adaptation, and unconditional love in the face of Alzheimer's disease.
 
 
Contact Peggy Terry at folktaleslitsociety@hotmail.com for more info.   
Cultural Lounge: #BlackGirlMagic
Main Gallery

Thursday, September 28, 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Cultural Lounge: #BlackGirlMagic features Doyin and Evelyn, the Creators of Austin While Black and Faith Carter, and a member of the National Society of Black Engineers.

The panelists will discuss what they are doing, especially through social media to bring awareness and build community.  We will also explore the power of social media and what it means to activism and building self-esteem.  To RSVP, call (512) 974-  4926.

Soul Food Truck Festival
Freedom Plaza

Saturday, September 30, 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Presented by the The Greater Austin Black Chamber of Commerce, Soul Food Truck Fest (#SFTF) will season up the city's traditional fall festival lineup with 10 central Texas African-American-owned food trucks serving up savory, finger-licking dishes for attendees.

In addition to the delicious food, there will be entertainment and artisan retail vendors selling art, crafts and sweets.

Austin, voted a top city for Black-owned small businesses, has a plethora of delicious food truck gems that specialize in soul, Cajun, Southern comfort, BBQ and secret seasonings from the minds of talented Black chefs. #SFTF will give attendees the chance to enjoy dishes they may not have known were being served up by Austin's soul food truck community everyday.

Confirmed food truck vendors are Krab Kingz IV, The Rolling Rooster, Emojis Grilled Cheese Bar, Krack of Dawn Donuts & Cafe', My Granny's Kitchen, Dirty Glove Midwest Barbeque LLC., The HashBurg, Down South Texas BBQ (from Copperas Cove) Khandie's Shaved Ice, R&R Eatery (from Harker Heights) and Willie Mae's Soul Food & More (from San Antonio.)


More Information
Flamenco India
Boyd Vance Theatre

Saturday, September 16, 7:30 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.

A Romantic evening of waltzs and ballads from the Russian regions. With orchestra featuring Sergey Vanchesko on Balalaika and Ballet dancers.  This will be a beautiful evening.  Do not miss this unique opportunity to experience something familiar,unique and different.

Oliver Rajamani's concert is a continuation of culture and music with a common ancient history.  It is a therapeutic interpretation of Rajamani's spiritual connection to his ancestral homeland of India. His music merges his Indian roots to flamenco by adding Indian rhythmic, melodic and dance concepts not found in traditional flamenco.

Don't Call Me Brother
Boyd Vance Theatre

Saturday, September 23
Show: 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
Talk Back: 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Sunday, September 24
Show: 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

The African American community has lost confidence in our societal institutions' ability to render colorblind justice. At the center of this crisis, are African Americans in law enforcement. JWHill Productions has tackled this delicate, yet explosive topic in the play Don't Call Me Brother.

Synopsis:
'Another black youth has been killed by the police under questionable circumstances. Recently promoted Andrew Merritt's first task as Chief of the Community Liaison Department is to restore confidence in the police in his former community. His loyalty is immediately in question. Is this new job a step up...or is it a set up?

More Information and Tickets
Thanksgiving & Chitlins
Boyd Vance Theatre

Friday and Saturday, September 29 and 30,     7:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.

Gospel stage play Thanksgiving and Chitlins. Produced by LHMinistries and Facelift productions.
More information and Tickets
 




Genealogy Basics
Genealogy Center
Saturday, Sept. 23, 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. 
 
Learn the basics of genealogy research. 
Basic computer skills are a requirement for the class.  

RSVP is required. 512.974.4380 
 


Genealogy Seminar
Genealogy Center  
Saturday, Sept. 23, 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.   
 
The Latest from Ancestry
Come to webinar to learn about the latest techniques and updates from Ancestry.
   
 
 
   
Youth Dance Infusion Program
Instructor Aisha Melhem, M.A
Dance Studio

Wednesdays 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

This is a program for youth who want to immerse themselves in all styles of dance, to artistically and physically articulate and expand their knowledge of the art. The diverse range of dance styles trains youth for a new era in the field that values tradition, technical versatility, innovation, and individuality.

Students will be introduced to the history and performance of: ballet, jazz, modern/contemporary, musical theatre, hip-hop, experimental and multicultural dance. Students will learn original choreography and gain the skills to create their own work. Our students will be able to integrate all forms and levels of dance and will have the opportunity to choreograph their own work.

Ages 4 to 18
$60/month
Registration and Payment
Pre-Professional Youth Acting
Instructor Aisha Melhem, M.A
Dance Studio

A pre-professional program is designed for those interested in the art of stage or film acting, directing and more. We focus on original collaborative work so that our students grow rich in the experience of ensemble-building through creating their own productions.
Course topics:
* Monologue Preparation
* Text Analysis and Interpretation of Sides
* Improvisation Techniques and Exercises
* Pre-Audition and Callback Preparation
* Exploring your Emotional Depths
* Acting Tactics and Objectives
* Timing, Rhythm, and Control
* Expanding Your Acting Range with Character Work
* Scene Study
* Study of a Variety of Industry Adopted Methods
* Preparation for College/School Acting Program Auditions
* Building Your Own Actor's Website
* Headshot and Resume

Students are encouraged to audition for all B*Tru Arts productions.

Ages 7 to 18
$60/month
Registration and Payment
Capoeira for Youth
Instructor Feijao (Seifu Bekele)
Dance Studio

Tuesdays, Thursdays starting Sept. 5th
4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.


Capoeira, an Afro-Brazilian martial art with Angolan roots,  is a fusion  of dance, acrobatics and music .  The martial art form is characterized by lightening speed kicks, spins and other movements. 

Ages 6 to 13
Fee: $55 per month
For more information:
Call (512) 636-8665

Register Online
Keys of Life
Piano Lessons with Daphne McDole
Carver Classroom

Tuesdays: 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. 
Thursdays: 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.


Keys of Life is an east Austin based piano instruction program teaching children the value of music.
 
 
For more information and to register:
Email missmcdole@gmail.com
Call: (512) 833-0546
Rhythms African Drum 
Instructor: Tonya Lyles
Dance Studio

*Classes held 2nd & 4th Saturdays
10:30 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. - Youth Drum
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. - Intergenerational Drum

This workshop series will enhance your connection to rhythm through hand drumming. In our class, you will learn basic techniques, hand patterns, and traditional rhythms on the West African djembe drum. Together we will build a drum community.     
 
Come. Learn. Drum!

Drums are limited. To reserve a drum, contact Tonya Lyles  at sistadrums@yahoo.com or (512) 974-4926.
 
Eat Your Way Through History:
Lunch and Learn
with Kitchen Diva Angela Shelf Medearis

Carver Museum Diversi-Tea! Luncheon and Hat Fashion Show
 
Bring a friend, make new friends, and wear your favorite hat!
 
Join us to talk about the things that we share in common and to break down the barriers that divide us.  We will do this over a "Diva-licious" tea party lunch prepared by Angela Shelf Medearis, The Kitchen Diva, and served by the Booker T. Washington Housing Residences' Culinary Trainees.
 
Our Diversi-Tea Luncheon and Hat Fashion Show is a special event for women in Austin to gather together to confront the issues that form racial division and stereotypes and an opportunity to bridge those differences while sharing a "Diva-licous" lunch, and enjoying an entertaining and informative hat fashion show, all while wearing a FABULOUS hat!   
 
EVERYONE is welcome to attend.


Thursday, September 21, 2017
LUNCH: 11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. (Continuous service)
Drum 

Diva-licious Lunch
Assortment of "Diversi-Tea" Sandwiches
Crab Salad Rolls
Southwest Chicken Wraps
Carver Garden Salad
Veggie Pasta Salad
Assortment of Tea Cakes and Cookies
Variety of Hot and Cold Tea
 

LEARN: 12:30 p.m.
Hat History and Fashion Show
A History of the Hat from Africa to America Lecture/Demo and Hat Fashion Show presented by Unyime Udosen of U4U Designs and Lauri Turner of Hatbox: A Modern Haberdashery. 

$20 Advanced Reservation
$25 at the door

Seating is limited!  Reserve today on Eventbrite

 

The George Washington Carver Museum, Cultural, and Genealogy Center is dedicated to the collection, preservation, research, interpretation, and exhibition of historical and cultural material reflecting all dimensions of experiences of persons of African descent living in Austin, Travis County, Texas and in the United States. The museum is also a key source of information on the history and celebration of Juneteenth. 

The City of Austin is proud to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require special assistance for participation in our programs or for use of our facilities,  please call (512) 974-3914.



George Washington Carver Museum, Cultural and Genealogy Center
1165 Angelina Street Austin Texas 78702
(512) 974-4926 (museum) 
(512) 974-4380 (genealogy center)
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