The Fredericksburg Area Museum (FAM) is pleased to announce its November 2022 Evening with an Expert lecture, presented by Dr. Gaila Sims, Curator of African American History and Special Projects. Voices Strong, Voices True: African American History at the Museum program will provide an opportunity to meet Dr. Sims, hear about her career and academic research, and learn more about FAM projects related to African American history, including an updated exhibition surrounding the “Auction Block” now located on the first floor of the museum.

Voices Strong, Voices True: Our Untold Stories (Voices Strong) is FAM’s new African American history initiative. The museum is committed to amplifying the voices of those who have struggled to be heard. Influenced by Julia Rose’s Commemorative Museum Pedagogy which advocates for storytelling strategies that lead visitors to understand the significance of historical events through personal emotional connections, Voices Strong will feature stories of individual African Americans in the context of the region’s, state’s, and nation’s experience. Voices Strong is an on-going, permanent component of the FAM’s programming. Like the story of our community itself, there will be no end to this project.

Voices Strong, Voices True: African American History at the Museum will take place at the FAM (907 Princess Anne St) on November 3rd and November 10th, 2022 from 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm. This program is FREE and open to the public. Due to limited spots, participants must RSVP. Visit (https://famva.org/evening-with-an-expert-with-dr-gaila-sims/) to reserve your spot.

Voices Strong has been funded in part by a grant from Virginia Humanities. It is an on-going partnership with the City of Fredericksburg to enhance interpretation of local African American history and stories.