Carver Day celebration set for Saturday

(From George Washington Carver National Monument)

George Washington Carver National Monument is pleased to host the park's annual Carver Day on Saturday, July 8, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., celebrating the life of George Washington Carver and the establishment of the national monument in his honor. 

This year we are commemorating the 80th anniversary of Carver’s passing on January 5th, 1943, and the subsequent establishment of the national park on July 14th, 1943, the first one to honor an African American. The event is free of charge and will be held rain or shine!

Guest speakers include Steve Sitton, Site Supervisor at the Thomas Hart Benton State Historic Site in Kansas City, Missouri. 

At 11:00 a.m., Sitton will share a presentation entitled Art, Race, and Thomas Hart Benton. Regionalist painter Thomas Hart Benton was one of the first white artists to paint African American life, labor, culture, and inequality. At 1:00 p.m., Leo Landis, Museum Curator for the State Historical Society of Iowa, will share insights into George Washington Carver’s time living in Iowa, which were critical years for Carver as a student and artist, and when he made the decision to change his career path to become an agricultural scientist.

Music is a huge part of the Carver Day fun. Musical performers this year include Cherry and Jerry, a ragtime duo from St. Louis, Missouri. They will blend history and music in their program “Early African American Composers.” 

It includes music by Scott Joplin, James Scott (born in Neosho, Missouri & raised in Carthage, Missouri) and other key figures in this genre which was very popular in George Washington Carver’s time. They will perform at 11:00 a.m. Beginning at 12:00 p.m. is Kenya Ajanaku. Ajanaku is a nationally known drummer and storyteller whose talents have captivated his audiences for over 26 years. His signature program, “Rhythms and Folklore of Africa; is a unique combination of storytelling, drumming and dance.

 

At 1:00 p.m., Bright Star Touring Theatre, a children’s national touring theatre from Asheville, North Carolina, will perform Freedom Songs. This family-friendly, musical revue provides an energetic and engaging approach to learning about Black history. From songs which carried the secret messages needed to navigate the Underground Railroad, to the powerful anthems of the Civil Rights Movement, to Beale Street Blues, music has long been an integral part of American history which is celebrated in this production.

Performing at 2:00 p.m. is Lem Sheppard, a local jazz, blues, and folk musician who traces the history of African American music from both the North and the South. Lem will perform African American music and stories from George Washington Carver’s lifetime and share the African American experience with visitors.

There will be a special film presentation at 3:00 p.m., entitled, “George Washington Carver, An Uncommon Life.” This 2018 Iowa Public Broadcasting Service documentary highlights George Washington Carver’s complexities and reveals the full impact of his life and work. Run time is 56 minutes.

Carver Day is also a time for kids to explore the park and connect to the child who was born here over 150 years ago. There will be guided tours, Junior Ranger activities, peanut milk demonstrations, and more. The Diamond Lions Club will provide food concessions.

 

Carver Day celebrates the African American experience through speakers, storytelling, music, and educational programs. In keeping with Carver’s legacy of accessible and affordable education, Carver Day, like all our programs, is free of charge. Carver Day is presented in partnership with the Carver Birthplace Association.

Administered by the National Park Service, an agency of the Department of the Interior, George Washington Carver National Monument preserves the birthplace and childhood home of George Washington Carver, scientist, educator, and humanitarian. The park is located two miles west of Diamond, Missouri on Highway V, then ¼ mile south on Carver Road. For more information, please call the park at 417-325-4151 between 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., visit the park website at www.nps.gov/gwca, or visit the park Facebook page.