Exhibit on Display Until Aug. 1 at The Historical Society of Harford County
Bel Air, MD – The Historical Society of Harford County (HSHC), in partnership with Hosanna School Museum, proudly presents “Trials & Triumphs: A History of the African American Experience in Harford County” – a pioneering, traveling exhibit celebrating the resilience, brilliance and impact of African Americans who helped shape Harford County’s past, present and future.
The exhibit will be on display at the Historical Society’s headquarters on Main Street in Bel Air from now through August 1, 2025 and open Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with daily guided tours at 12:30 p.m. Admission is free.
Featuring stories from across generations, Trials & Triumphs brings to life the personal histories of local heroes who distinguished themselves in education, military service, the arts, sports, activism, business and more.
“This exhibit honors the triumphs, recognizes the trials, and preserves the legacies of African Americans in Harford County,” said HSHC Executive Director Chris Potts. “It’s not just a display – it’s a living narrative of community, of struggle and strength, pride and pain, determination, commitment and achievement.”
Standout stories include:
- Sgt. Alfred B. Hilton, Harford’s only native-born Medal of Honor recipient, who served with distinction in the United States Colored Troops during the Civil War.
- Jazz virtuoso Cyrus Chestnut, gospel pioneer Ella Wright and soul singer Donatella Petty-John (aka Nella Dodds), whose artistic contributions resonated far beyond county lines.
- Acclaimed choreographer Monique Watson, whose career spans being on stage at the Super Bowl to performing in the 2023 release of “The Color Purple.”
- Shirley Rose, who made history as the first African American vice principal and principal at a Harford County secondary school, following her teaching years at the historic Central Consolidated School.
- A tribute to sports legends past and present – from Negro League baseball player Ernest Burke and boxing great Warrenell Lester to soccer star Thori Staples Bryan and WNBA talents Brionna and Stephanie Jones.
- The story of the Dirty Dozen, a brave interracial group from the 1960s that created community through open dialogue and action.
Visitors will also explore curated exhibit panels and artifacts addressing topics such as slavery and freedom, civil rights, education, healthcare, racism and resistance, churches, business and community life. Many include compelling quotes from interviews with local residents and descendants.
Personal stories are woven throughout the exhibit, including:
- A letter to President Lincoln from a Bel Air woman – enslaved Annie Davis – asking about freedom
- Reflections from Maurice Dorsey on growing up in Edgewood Heights
- The integration of Havre de Grace Hospital through the courage of Willie Stamps
- James “Sonny” Thorton’s extraordinary skill as a respected racing jockey
- Bertha Copeland’s lifelong community advocacy
Artifacts, photographs and community-contributed items help bring these stories to life, offering a rare and intimate glimpse into the lived experiences of Black residents in Harford County.
“By celebrating both individual ‘firsts’ and shared acts of community building, “Trials & Triumphs” invites all to better understand the African American journey in Harford County,” Potts added. “The exhibit uplifts those who led, created, persevered and inspired – and reminds us that their stories are not just history, but a living legacy that helps shape our county’s present and future.”
For more information or to schedule a group tour, please contact The Historical Society of Harford County or visit HarfordHistory.org.