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Featured Oral History

Frank Darance Travers 

May 30, 1928   -   August 25, 2024

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Attended Drayden School, Farmer, Store Owner

Frank Travers attended Drayden School from the 1st through 7th grades and later Jarboesville High School in Lexington Park, Maryland.  Drayden School, now a historic site overseen by St. Mary’s County Division of Museums, was a one-room schoolhouse serving African American children during the period of racial segregation. Mr. Travers was the last surviving student and he talks about going to the one-room segregated Drayden School. He also shares his memories of the historic flood of 1933 and the importance of steamboats before the highways connected St. Mary's to Washington and Baltimore.

UCAC

Ū’  sÄ“  Ä€’   sÄ“

Recognizing the contributions of African Americans within St. Mary's County, Maryland.  Our commitment is to build pathways and structures linking the past to the present, and celebrating the great accomplishments of those who have been left out of historical accounts.

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U.S. Colored Troops Interpretive Center

 Open Wednesdays and Saturdays in February from 10 AM until 2 PM

-   Free Admission   -

In partnership with St. Mary's County Museum Division

Located at 21675 S. Coral Place, Lexington Park, MD

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Drayden One-Room Schoolhouse

Open 1st and 3rd Saturdays - April through October from 11 am to 2 pm

   -   Free Admission   -

In partnership with St. Mary's County Museum Division

Located at 18287 Cherryfield Rd, Drayden, MD 20630

 

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Teacher Ralph Butler with 4th, 5th, and 6th grade classes, Banneker Elementary School, Hollywood Maryland, 1949

“We can best predict where we're going if we first reflect on where we've been.”

               -Ralph Ignatius Butler, Sr. (1915-2003)

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