Acts of Faith
“Forging Faith, Building Freedom: African American Faith Experiences in Delaware, 1800-1980” at the Delaware History Museum celebrates two important anniversaries. Two hundred years ago, in 1813, Peter Spencer founded the African Union Church, the first independent black denomination in the United States. The next year, he started the August Quarterly, the nation’s oldest African-American festival. In addition to Peter Spencer, Forging Faith, Building Freedom will honor Absalom Jones, the first black Episcopal priest in the United States; Richard Allen, founder of the AME denomination; and Samuel Cornish, founder of the first black Presbyterian church in New York City and an editor of Freedom’s Journal, the nation’s first black newspaper. As developers of independent African-American religious institutions, the four remarkable Delawareans asserted their people’s right to liberty, autonomy and equality and challenged the United States to live up to the ideals of the Declaration of Independence.Through objects, documents and images, the exhibition explores the diverse faith experiences and institutions that developed from these beginnings. Historically, black faith communities have addressed many needs beyond the spiritual. They have been a key factor in education, community development, and the continuing struggle for equality for people who lacked other institutions. In the absence of other avenues for leadership, the black minister assumed many roles in addition to the spiritual. Faith communities also offered opportunities for leadership and participation to laypeople whose talents were not recognized in the mainstream community. The exhibition will introduce Michael Sterling of Wilmington—a modest man in the eyes of the world who lived a rich and useful life through service to Bethel AME Church. This exhibition has been developed in collaboration with the faith community in Delaware and Delaware churches, private lenders, other public collections and Delaware Historical Society collections. Dr. Lewis V. Baldwin of Vanderbilt University, a specialist in Peter Spencer and his churches, serves as consultant historian. See it through Aug. 31. 295-2400, dehistory.org
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Nov. 7 |
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[IN Wilmington Promotional Pick of the Week] It’s Wilmington Beer Week, which means you can sample some of the best craft brews in the country at participating restaurants and taverns in and around Wilmington though Nov. 9. Cheers… More |
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The Rehoboth Beach Independent Film Festival showcases 100 of the best American and international films, including features, documentaries and shorts, at the Movies at Midway. It’s a reel good time. Thru Nov. 10… More |
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Nov. 8 |
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“The Hallelujah Girls,” produced by the Kent County Theatre Guild is a funny, feisty comedy about the Southern gals that run Spa-Dee-Dah, an abandoned church-turned-day spa. See it at Patchwork Playhouse in Dover through Nov. 23… More |
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If you invite a clairvoyant home for a séance, you can’t expect things to go as planned–unless the plan included having the ghost of your first wife on your sofa nagging you. See “Blithe Spirit” by Chapel Street Players in Newark thru Nov. 16… More |
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Nov. 8-10 |
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The informal Opera Undressed features the genre’s greatest hits, directed by OperaDelaware’s Jeffrey Miller. You’ll also hear some obscure gems, all performed by some of today’s most exciting singers at the OD Black Box in Wilmington… More |
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Nov. 9 |
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The Newark Arts Alliance’s fifth annual Harvest Arts Festival includes fine art and craft exhibitors, artist demonstrations, live acoustic music and kids art activities. It’s great fun, for free… More |
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Nov. 10 |
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Organist Ahreum Han’s imaginative, powerful and extraordinary performances have thrilled audiences throughout the United States, Asia and Europe. Hear her at Longwood Gardens… More |
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Nov. 12 |
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“Stone Soup” is the tale of a poor traveler seeking refuge in a town that doesn’t have enough for the people who already live there. The DuPont Theatre presents this heartwarming message of compassion and sharing… More |
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Nov. 14 |
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In “The Servant of Two Masters,” UD’s Resident Ensemble Players take on a madcap Italian comedy of lovers, lawyers, servants and 27 plates of meatballs. See it thru Dec. 8… More |
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Juilliard graduate and Wayne Barlow Prize winner Caroline Cole will break your heart with her harp. Hear her during Music on the Brandywine at the Brandywine River Museum... More |
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