Free concerts, children’s programs, plays, and discussion mark this celebration of civil rights at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park.

Admission to the park is free
All events are free

Free Concerts

Part of a three-day celebration of the Niagara Movement-cornerstone of civil rights, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band is just one of the many bands giving free concerts in the park August 18, 19 and 20.
Others legendary performers include; Odetta, The World Famous Count Basie Orchestra, The Dixie Humming Birds, the Delfeayo Marsalis Quintet, Dr. Michael White’s New Orleans Jazz Ensemble, the Howard Burns Ensemble, the Scotty Barnhart Quartet, the Shiloh Baptist Church Gospel Choir, and Magpie.

Youth Discovery Tent

Families will enjoy the hands-on activities in the Youth Discovery Tent working together to create a Freedom Quilt and Freedom House while learning about the civil rights movement. Children will also enjoy special music and theater presentations offered in the Discovery Tent throughout the weekend.

IN DEPTH :

Schedule of Events (PDF)

Maps & Directions

Concert Poster (PDF)

Lodging Information

History of the Niagara Movement

CONTACT US:

304-535-6298
Email

Left: Preservation Hall Jazz Band.

Plays and Lectures

The history and future of civil rights will be presented throughout the weekend in plays, lectures, and panel discussions. Two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning author Dr. David Levering Lewis will share reflections on the civil rights pioneer W.E.B. Du Bois. Reverend Walter Fauntroy-first DC delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives, the widow of the late civil rights activist Reverend Ralph Abernathy, and others will participate in panel discussions about Breaking Barriers in America. Actors Fred Morsell and Donzaleigh Abernathy will bring the history of the civil rights movement to life through their portrayals of notable figures in the struggle.

Schedule of Events at a Glance

Friday - August 18

5:00pm – Booths open
5:30 – Howard Burns Ensemble
6:45 – Welcome Ceremony with Shiloh Church Gospel Choir
8:00 – Play - Women of Niagara
9:00 – Dr. Michael White’s New Orleans Jazz Ensemble

Saturday - August 19

10:00am – Booths open
10:00 – Howard Burns Ensemble
11:00 – Dr. David Levering Lewis – Keynote address
Noon – Howard Burns Ensemble
12:30pm – Play – Fred Morsell as Reverdy C. Ransom
1:30 – The Dixie Hummingbirds
1:30 – Lecture – Storer College History Series
3:00 – Panel Discussion – Breaking the Barriers in America
4:00 – Sorrow Songs, Protest Songs and the Souls of Black Folks
4:30 – Screening of film "Never Lose Sight of Freedom "
7:00 – The World Famous Count Basie Orchestra
8:00 – The Preservation Hall Jazz Band
9:15 – Scotty Barnhart Quartet

Sunday - August 20

6:00am – Pilgrimage to John Brown’s Fort
9:00 – Booths open
9:30 – Screening of film "Never Lose Sight of Freedom "
10:30 – Memorial Service
Noon – Odetta
1:00pm – Howard Burns Ensemble
1:30 – Panel – Reflections of W.E.B. Du Bois
2:45 – Delfeayo Marsalis Quintet
3:45 – Closing ceremony

Detailed Schedule of Events (PDF)

More information call
304 535-6298

Dr. David Levering Lewis

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