News

Bestgate Community History Day

A Bestgate Community History Day was held at the Fowler United Methodist Church on Bestgate Road in Annapolis, MD. This full-day event was held on Saturday, October 26, 2013, from 9:00 am.- 2:00 pm. Nearly 50 community members and volunteers participated in this exciting and history-filled day.

The Community’s History Day is an ongoing activity sponsored by the Foundation, in partnership with a local community to capture and archive the history of a long-standing community. This event captured and archived the history of the Bestgate Community through oral interviews, and scanning and copying of historical documents that tell the rich story of the Bestgate Community. More than ten interviews were conducted, obtaining significant information about the history of the Bestgate Community and its people. Scores of historical documents, photographs and stories were collected. The Bestgate Community is located on Bestgate Road along the corridor from Generals Highway pass Medical Parkway.

Participants at this one-day event included new residents who desired to learn about their community and long-time residents of the community who remembered stories about persons who founded and helped to develop the Bestgate corridor.

In addition to oral interviews of long-time residents, activities included archiving pictures and memorabilia that captured the history and spirit of the community. The event also included mini round-table workshops that explained how important records should be maintained in a home environment, as well as census records on the community, and cemetery records. The schedule of individuals for oral interviews is always established in advance of the event day, but additional interviewees were walk-ins.

The Bestgate Community History Day event occurred during the celebration period of the 142nd anniversary of the Fowler United Methodist Church. Fowler is the oldest African-American church in the Bestgate Community Corridor.