Martin Robison Delany 200th Birthday Anniversary
Schedule of Events
Date February 29, 2012 -Wednesday
Activity Martin Delany Essay/Media Contest
8th and 10th grade students invited to submit either an essay or media project (music recording, video) on the life of Delany. $75.00 awards to two 8th grade entries and two 10th grade entries.
Contact James Surkamp @ 261-7911 or Antoinette Ringgold @ 304-728-6576
Date May 3, 2012 – Thursday
Activity County Proclamation
At the regular Jefferson County Commission meeting the Commission will issue a proclamation recognizing and endorsing the Martin Delany Commemoration Celebration.
Date May 5, 2012 – Saturday 2-4pm
Activity Forum – Delany’s early years, life in Charles Town
A discussion on the life of Delany in Charles Town before his family was force to flee to Chambersburg, PA
Location Fishermen Hall 340 South West Street, Charles Town, WV
Date May 6, 2012 – Sunday 3pm
Activity Delany Birthday Party (200 years)
The official Delany 200th Anniversary birthday cake will be cut. Local, county and state officials will be invited to participate along with any descendants. The Martin Delany Essay/Media Contest winners will be announced. Party is free and open to the public.
Location Star Lodge #1 Masonic Hall 240 S. Lawrence St. (Delany Place), Charles Town, WV
Contact Maurice Ballard @ 304-820-6236
Date May 18, 2012 – Friday 7pm
Activity Martin Delany(History Alive)
Joe Bundy will present his History Alive presentation of Martin Delany, followed by a question and answer session. Bundy will also give his presentation at one of local school during the day.
Location Fishermen Hall also at one of the local school during the afternoon.
Contact James Tolbert @ 304-725-7852
Date May 18, 2012 – Friday 8am
Activity The 1st Annual Martin R. Delany’s Scholarship Golf Tourney
Profit from the tourney will be used to fund the Martin R. Delany’s Scholarship Fund
Location Locust Hill Golf Club – Charles Town, WV
Contact Maurice Ballard 304-820-6236 or
Date May 18, 2012 – Monday 7pm
Activity Forum – Delany life between leaving Charles Town (1822) and the beginning of the Civil War (1861). Relationship with Frederick Douglass and John Brown. His role as an author and editor.
Location CT Library Lower level
Contact James Surkamp @ 304- 261-7911
Date TBA
Activity Delany’s Room Dedication
The American Public University System(APUS)will dedicate a room in honor of Delany at the APUS building at North George Street in Charles Town, WV
Contact John Hough
Date August 17, 2012 – Friday 6pm
Activity Descendants’ reception and birthday party
Location County grounds, Corner of East Washington & North Samuel St. Charles Town
Contact Lyn Widmyer (304- ******* )
Date August 17 -19, 2012
Activity 20th Annual African American Culture & Heritage Festival
The festival is being dedicated in honor to Delany. Descendants are invited to participate in the annual parade that will take place on Saturday at 12 noon which take place down the main street in Charles Town. Educational, health, vendors, food, festive and other activities will take place at the festival ground located at 301 South Lawrence St. Charles Town.
Contact Warren Stewart 304-229-7248
Date September 15, 2012 – Saturday
Activity Placing of historical markers
A wayside exhibit will be place near Delany’s birth site. A historical sign will be placed within the central city limit. This is part of the Annual Charles Town Heritage Days activities
Location The 200 block of West Liberty Street in Charles Town
Contact Doug Perks 304- 725-2208
Date September 17, 2012 – Monday 7pm
Activity Forum – Delany life during and after the Civil War 1861 – 1885
Will cover the Civil War, the reconstruction era, politics, masonic, death
Location Star Lodge #1 (240 South Lawrence Street)
Contact James Taylor 304-725-7242
Date November 19, 2012- Monday 7pm
Activity Film presentation This is a film on the life of Delany that was produced by Jim Surkamp
Location Fishermen Hall
Contact James Tolbert 304-725-7852
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