Tuesday, August 7, 2001
1:30 p.m.

Call to Order by the Chairman

Chairman Goodwin called the Commission to order at 1:45 p.m. He informed the attendees that the meeting was being video taped to facilitate record keeping and to provide a way to reference back to what “we have done, the very important and sometimes perhaps the humorous and the not so important.” He welcomed everyone to the second meeting of the Commission to Coordinate the Study, Commemoration and Impact of Slavery’s History and Legacy in Maryland, and starting at his left asked each Commissioner to briefly introduce themselves.

Attendees and Introduction of Special Guests

Dr. Iris Ford [seated after introductions were made]

Dr. Clara L. Small

Dr. Ira Berlin

Vernon Crider, representing The Honorable Nathaniel J. McFadden [seated after introductions were made]

The Honorable Emmett C. Burns, Jr.

Agnes Callum

J. Rodney Little

Dr. Edward Papenfuse

Chairman Goodwin

Chairman Goodwin noted for the record that Nikki (Ms. Nikki DeJesus Smith) and Senator McFadden were not in attendance and because of a family emergency, Dr. Christian would not be able to attend.

Chairman Goodwin introduced the following guests:

Dr. W. J. Megginson, a historian with his doctorate from George Washington University, has been a collaborator, one off whom I have several times bounced ideas having to do with the Slavery Task Force and this Commission. He has undertaken important research on African American life, including slavery in particular. He has written a manuscript, “Tracing Your Family Roots,” that was designed especially for African-American families in the Upper Piedmont of South Carolina. [Maryland State Archives SPECIAL COLLECTIONS (W. J. Megginson) MSA SC 5410]

Mrs. Burns, wife of Delegate Emmett C. Burns

Jerry Hynson. Mr. Hynson stated that it was pleasant to be at the Commission meeting.

Madlymm Anglin [seated after introductions were made]

The following Maryland State Archives (MSA or Archives) staff introduced themselves:

Dottie Zimmerman

Chris Haley

Jennifer Hafner

Emily Oland Squires

Dr. Goodwin directed comments to Emily referring to her excellent support of the Commission and thanked her for her dedication and professionalism.

At this point, Chairman Goodwin asked the Commission members to join him in dedicating a moment of silence in respect to the death of Dr. Elmer Martin, who was associated with Morgan State University, co-founder of Blacks in Wax Museum, a member of The Governor’s Task Force to Study the History and Legacy of Slavery in Maryland, and a colleague and friend.

Action on Minutes

Dr. Goodwin requested action on the minutes for the June 1, 2001 Commission meeting.

There being no objections nor discussion, Delegate Burns offered a motion that the minutes be accepted as recorded. The motion was seconded by Mr. Little. Dr. Goodwin called for a vote, and the minutes were unanimously accepted.

However, Ms. Callum called attention to page 8 of 10, and specifically questioned the dates for Maryland ratification of the 14th and 15th Amendments. It was highlighted that there were two different dates listed; i.e., the Maryland date and the national date. No annotation was necessary.

Dr. Goodwin signed the minutes into the record with no changes.

General Items

Dr. Goodwin noted that the Commission has a working telephone number. Dr. Papenfuse showed the web page for the Commission noting the following:

Telephone Numbers:
(410) 260-6478
1-866-289-0478 (toll free)

It was noted that the Commission has received its first telephone call on the official telephone number.

Fax Number:
(410) 974-3895 This is the Maryland State Archives fax number, not a dedicated fax to the Commission.

E-mail:
shlm@mdarchives.state.md.us

Dr. Papenfuse noted that the Maryland State Archives would look into having this information added to the Maryland Manual. (ACTION ITEM)

Also, as an aside to Delegate Burns, Dr. Papenfuse noted that 10 copies of the manual traditionally given to each Legislator are still scheduled to be sent. (ACTION ITEM)

Web Site:
www.mdslaverycomm.net

Dr. Goodwin wanted to make sure the site read “c-o-m-m” not “com.” It was confirmed that the site reads “comm.”

Dr. Berlin asked who the first telephone call was from. Emily noted that Senator Dyson (a member of The Governor’s Task Force to Study the History and Legacy of Slavery in Maryland (Task Force)) called because he saw the meeting notice and inquired about attendance.

In view of the call from Senator Dyson, who was a member of the Slavery Task Force, Dr. Goodwin suggested that courtesy copies of future minutes of the Commission be sent to all former members of the Task Force who are not members of the Slavery Commission.

Dr. Papenfuse said this would be done. (ACTION ITEM)

Dr. Goodwin mentioned that there are different ways of communicating – the Web, e-mail, and the old way, by using stationery. This brought up the next item for discussion which was the choice of letterhead. Dr. Goodwin noted that after an earlier review of different styles of letterheads, the choice had been narrowed down to two. Each Commission member had handout copies of the two choices to review, and Dr. Papenfuse projected the sample letterheads on a screen. Dr. Goodwin instructed each Commission member to review their personal information and note any corrections or preferences to be made. (ACTION ITEM) The two styles were presented to the Commission to vote on.

The Commissioners’ attention was directed to two samples in their meeting folders. The two samples being identical except for the pictures. The first sample of stationery referred to had a picture of the Maryland State Seal. Dr. Papenfuse gave a brief explanation of the motto – Manly [Strong] Words; Womanly [Gentle] Deeds. The second sample of stationery referred to had the picture of an award medal used during the Civil War. Attention to this medal was brought before the Commission by Ms. Agnes Callum. Dr. Goodwin, with agreement from Ms. Callum, read the following brief history of the United States Colored Troops (USCT) medal:

The image depicts one of approximately 200 medals commissioned by General Benjamin F. Butler for United States Colored Troops during the Civil War after the battles for Fort Harrison and Fort Gilmer of 1864. Such medals were never officially sanctioned by the federal government, and were perhaps the only medals ever designed and awarded specifically to African-American soldiers. Butler, Commander of the James, ordered a medal to be made to award to his men for executing heroic acts. He remarked, "I had a medal struck, in solid silver, of like size, weight, quality, fabrication and intrinsic value with those Queen Victoria gave with her own hands to the distinguished soldiers of the Crimea." The medals were designed by a Anthony C. Paquet and manufactured in silver by Tiffany in New York. The medals were not popular with the majority of the regular army or in political circles, at large. In fact, President Lincoln actually contacted Butler directly, to cease their creation, and following Butler's removal from command, USCT were "forbidden to display (the medals) on their uniforms."

This particular medal is owned by commission member Agnes Callum. Photographs of the medal are part of Maryland State Archives SPECIAL COLLECTION (Agnes Kane Callum Collection) MSA SC 1090. The medal was in the possession of an acquaintance of Ms. Callum's whose ancestor, a Gilbert Harris, SGT, USCT, 2nd Calvary, Company F had been awarded it. An English translation of the Latin verse on the medal is perhaps, "Liberty came to them by the sword.”

Ms. Callum passed the medal around the table so each Commissioner could examine the detail. She related how the medal came to be in her possession. Harvey Denmark (founder of the Arena Players), a bachelor, gave the medal to her upon his death. The medal had belonged to his grandfather. Ms. Callum went to Edgecombe County, North Carolina, to do research on the Harris family. The medal originally belonged to Sharp who took his master’s last name (Harris). Dr. Papenfuse noted that Harris’ daughter moved to Baltimore establishing a connection between the medal and the State of Maryland.

Dr. Goodwin on behalf of the Commission expressed appreciation to Ms. Callum for bringing the medal.

Dr. Small interjected that she may have family ties to the Sharps also.

Dr. Goodwin opened the floor to comments on the two designs.

Delegate Burns stated he never knew the medal existed, noted that given the nature and charge [to the Commission], the medal suits us [the Commission] in a special way; is the essence of meaning.

Mr. Little -- added that given the medal’s connection to the USCT and its historical significance, there is only one candidate.

Dr. Papenfuse stated he was charmed by the medal, recognition should be given, it is an universal symbol, strong. He said that even though the translation of the medal is “liberty came to them by the sword,” the meaning should not have to mean to take up the sword to gain liberty, but gains can be made through the system.

Dr. Ford was in total agreement to use the medal stationery. She also agreed with
Dr. Papenfuse’s statement adding that the “pen is our sword today.”

Dr. Berlin was also in agreement. He recommended adding a small line of explanation about the medal.

Delegate Burns would also like to see the picture improved, made clearer. Dr. Papenfuse said that could be done by using a line drawing of the medal. (ACTION ITEM)

Ms. Callum interjected that there are only four medals known to be in existance: (1) Smithsonian Museum, (2) Gettysburg, (3) Military Museum in Virginia [Virginia War Museum at Newport News]. She has the only medal that bears an individual’s name.

Dr. Goodwin said he was 100 percent in favor of using the medal’s picture on the Commission’s stationery.

There being no further discussion, Mr. Little offered a motion that the stationery using the USCT medal be accepted. The motion was seconded by Dr. Small. Dr. Goodwin called for a vote. Use of the USCT medal stationery was unanimously accepted. A copy with the latest revisions will be hereto appended to these minutes.

Dr. Papenfuse asked if the Maryland State Archives could borrow the medal so the improved imagery could be provided for the stationery. Ms. Callum gave MSA permission to borrow the medal. (ACTION ITEM)

Dr. Goodwin requested of Mr. Little samples of some of the bylaws of various commissions that he is involved with.

Bylaws (Dr. Goodwin, Chair)

This working committee had not met by the Commission meeting of August 7. Mr. Little suggested that the bylaws of the Maryland Historical Trust Bylaws should be a good guide and said that he would forward a copy to the bylaws. Dr. Goodwin said that the commission should expect a draft of the bylaws prior to the next meeting and that these would probably be circulated with the minutes of this meeting. (ACTION ITEM)

Committee Reports (continued)

Dr. Goodwin noted that the chairs of some committees have had difficulty making contact with some of their committee members due to summer slow down, but he still asked for the committee chairs to make reports.

Networking (Dr. Berlin, Chair)

Dr. Berlin also noted that the Networking Committee had not actually begun to network; however, they were ready to go into action and would like to collect suggestions from the Commission. He offered the following ideas:

(1) Develop a master mailing list
(2) Develop an e-mail list
(3) Tap into this group [Commission]
(4) A public announcement
(5) Dissemination of information

Dr. Goodwin continued with the Commission's obligation to the people of Maryland. The groups for inclusion: (1) stakeholders, (2) educators, (3) scholars, (4) grant opportunities,
(5) collections, (6) cultural organizations, (7) museums, (8) public officials, (9) network the State on slavery issues. The Commission should think about what is going on outside of Maryland to tap into. There should be vested interests. The Commission could profit from knowing what others are doing, from open communication.

Dr. Small suggested that she associates with many organizations that are local but that there could be state-wide affiliation also. This could be a source of local and statewide resource sharing and museum coordinators could also be a resource.

Dr. Ford mentioned that tourism could be a networking resource within the State, regionally, outside of the State, around the country. Museums were mentioned a number of times and
Dr. Papenfuse suggested Nikki DeJesus Smith (Chief Executive Officer/Executive Director of the Maryland African American Museum Corporation) be asked for museum contacts.

Mr. Little introduced the idea of "one-stop shopping.” The Commission has available the following: (1) Bannekar-Douglass Museum, (2) Commission on African American History
(Dr. Goodwin), (3) Corporation for African American History and Culture (Maryland African American Museum Corporation), (4) Coalition of African and African American Museums. The best three places to build a network. Dr. Goodwin mentioned that the Commission should approach a diverse group of organizations not just African American. That there are lots of organizations involved in slavery, but not particularly African American [organizations]. This should go across race and region. Delegate Burns questioned whether the objective was to let entities know what we [Commission] are doing or for us [Commission] to know what they are doing or both; the purpose to gain information on what is out there that we need so we can do a better job.

Dr. Berlin perceived it as propagating information we [Commission] have. He expressed concerns that everyone is busy, most have a full time job and some have two so (1) who is going to do the mundane task, it is time consuming, (2) who will sort through the information (too much data and people shut down) (3) think about and sort what we want to distribute, the significance, quantity, quality, political sensitivity, would not want to put the Commission brand on inappropriate information, (4) what kind of staff. Job No. 1--create a list.

Dr. Small would like information distributed to attendees at conferences, honor societies, etc. Information could be brochures, posters, etc., to make individuals aware of what the Commission is doing. Also, distribute to Commission members. Delegate Burns stated that Maryland has broken new ground, networking needed to enhance, push, encourage other states to follow our lead, reaching out, subtly to encourage others. Dr. Goodwin noted that if we do a good job that will happen. Again, the staff necessary is a concern for Delegate Burns.

Outreach and Initiatives (Dr. Christian, Chair)

Dr. Small read the report prepared by Dr. Christian into the record. Dr. Papenfuse requested a copy of the report. A copy will be hereto appended to these minutes.

Comments from around the table noted that Dr. Christian’s report presented a good plan, enhanced, was extraordinary, rich, a great way to start. It was highlighted that the Commission does not have a budget but that the agenda of items in the report should be tied to a budget. A few goals could be (1) assessment of cultural resources, (2) develop resources, (3) contribute to the study of middle passage, (4) work with state agencies. Suggested approaches could be:
(1) pick one or two things to start with–narrow it down, distillation (2) publish a small pamphlet, (3) address the chronology of slavery in Maryland as a beginning, (4) explain how intimately slavery is involved in our history, (5) put a public face on this and identify some to be handled by a sense of priority so we can move forward.

Dr. Berlin and Dr. Goodwin both associated themselves with Dr. Christian’s remarks given through his report to the Commission.

There being no further discussion, Delegate Burns offered a motion that Dr. Christian’s report be received by the Commission. The motion was seconded by Mr. Berlin. Dr. Goodwin called for a vote. The motion was unanimously accepted.

Dr. Papenfuse asked for the Chair’s permission to delay the report by the Resources Preservation Committee to the end of the meeting. Permission was granted. He pointed out that Delegate Burns had quickly responded to the request for a prioritization of items of interest. Dr. Papenfuse indicated that the underground railroad is high on Delegate Burns’ list and would be discussed later by the interns as part of the Resources Preservation Committee report.

Historical Sites (Mr. Little, Chair)

The Historical Sites Committee has not met but a substantial amount of work has been going on. Work has begun, as a priority, on an African-American inventory of what we know. Several staff members and one full time intern have been going through several different inventories, to come up with an up-to-date inventory of historical sites related to slavery. However, there are limited resources but highlighted that the we need to know what is in Maryland: (1) Maryland National Historic Landmarks, (2) Register of National Historic places. Probably most importantly, what does the Maryland Historical Trust have. As a brief background, we have recorded 40,000 to 45,000 individual sites documented in our site files. If expanded to include historic districts, the number would be approximately 300,000 sites. This information is harder to pull up by theme; easier to pull by geography. The National Register is a resource of information and an inventory of museums which are open to the public and which interpret slavery; also suggested were placement of markers on highways, single collections, artifactual collections. The time frame for an inventory list would be the end of August or early September. (ACTION ITEM)
The Maryland Historical Trust, Washington College, and the Harriet Tubman Foundation are involved in a project to pin down the location of Harriet Tubman’s birthplace in Dorchester County, Maryland. Dr. Papenfuse questioned if the project will go on a web site and if so, could it be linked, move toward publication. Other ideas to build the inventory were from public and private sources, linking and networking, finding out about African-American [web] sites. Delegate Burns asked for a clarification of the number of sites, and the number was confirmed at a little over 20,000.

Commemoration (Dr. Small, Chair)

Looking to commemorate Maryland Emancipation Day: we need to be checking with other states and organizations: (1) finding out what has been done, and then start thinking about how or if to build on that, (2) network, (3) type of event, (4) where, (5) when, (6) should be inclusive – all people historically, socially (7) deal with the legacy and psycology.

Dr. Goodwin said that he had received a communication from Dr. Papenfuse in reference to lynching in a case of slavery and it is a subject that requires sensitivity. The communication is to be shared with Dr. Small. (ACTION ITEM) While the subject of military persons [folk] celebrated is discussed, why not those more victimized. Other items that this committee may want to address are the victims of slavery. Dr. Ford noted selective commemoration and offered the example of Mathias de Sousa to be broadened -- inclusive of the everyday -- common occurrences.

There being no further discussion, Delegate Burns offered a motion that both Mr. Little’s report and Dr. Small’s report be accepted. The motion was seconded by Dr. Berlin. Dr. Goodwin called for a vote. The motion was unanimously accepted.

Legacy (Dr. Christian, Chair)

Dr. Goodwin mentioned that the legacy of slavery is ongoing. Delegate Burns read the report prepared by Dr. Christian into the record.

Suggested coordination with the Baltimore Urban League, grants to public select scholars, reference was made to the following studies: (1) State of Black Maryland and (2) State of Black Baltimore as resources of information. Hearings on legacy of slavery, views among Marylanders, work with agencies to better develop history and culture, use proceeds from sale to fund further publications.

Delegate Burns offered a motion that Dr. Christian’s report be accepted. The motion was seconded by Dr. Papenfuse. Dr. Goodwin called for a vote. The motion was unanimously accepted. A copy will be hereto appended to these minutes.

Comments offered by Delegate Burns noted that the report expressed ideas that are novel and necessary but given restraints of budget and staff make things difficult. Dr. Goodwin associated himself with the comments in Dr. Christian’s report, but noted that as has been suggested in Dr. Berlin’s article (which was distributed at the meeting) that we should avoid the temptation to use slavery as a catch word to talk about all aspects of race relations.

A copy of the report will be hereto appended to these minutes. Legacy must deal with slavery, limit ourselves to slavery, avoid temptation to deal with discussion on racial issues, cannot deal with all racial issues. Dr. Papenfuse said the report was eloquent. He highlighted the progress the courts have made specifically by Governor Mandel appointing Judge Robert Bell who is an African American and the Chief Judge -- as head of the criminal justice system in the State. As we begin to look at that which is horrendous and bad, let us also look at efforts that are being made by African Americans to correct the system and make it better. Judge Bell has identified in his State of the Judiciary (available from the Maryland Manual link on the Maryland State Archives web site) before the General Assembly of Maryland what can be done to make the system better, to change the system. There was also a whole range of work completed before he became the Chief Judge. Maryland has already in some respect begun pioneering in this issue. Judge Bell has been historically connected to the Maryland State Archives. He is the Chair of the Hall of Records Commission and perhaps could be invited as a guest at this Commission in the future. Delegate Burns closed the comments by stating that the judicial system is not easily moved by one African American in the courts; however, we do celebrate him. In a sense, we must become battering rams to trace down, to walk down, to identify macroscopically, microscopically, where this legacy has led us.

Tourism and Equity Oversight (Dr. Ford, Chair)

In the short term, perhaps a meeting conference could be held. There is testimony from the meeting conference held in 1999, but there should be another meeting conference to:

(1) Figure out inequities
(2) Need broader testimony
(3) Up-to-date information
(4) One-day meeting within the State
(a) African American Tourism Council
(b) Ascertain issues
(c) Convince State to spend
(d) Develop a report
(4) Part of networking, get Commissioners out there [Delegate Burns]
(5) Develop a brochure [to speak with Mr. Little about this]
(6) Develop a map showing what and where sites are located
(a) Use pictures
(b) Use geography
(7) Develop a web site
(a) Interactive – highlight events
(b) Ongoing
(b) Attractive to our children
(c) Global – direct link to Gambia, Africa
(i) Impact – position
(ii) Maryland could be centerpiece

Dr. Ford stated that her committee looked forward to having a meeting with the Maryland African American Tourism Council.

Delegate Burns added that this subject could be introduced in the Legislature, make suggestions for oversight, convince Maryland to spend more on tourism. List of priorities for Black sites available for visiting.

Engage the State in the process – it was questioned if State money should be engaged. This was not brought to a vote but decided not at this time.

Mr. Little commented that perhaps Hannah Byron, with Tourism Development, could serve on this committee, set policy in State government. Find out how tourism operates in the State of Maryland. We need a good grounding in what the State spends money on and what it does not.

Multi-cultural tourism – information available.

Tourism department is developing a guide already. The Commission doesn’t want to start with accusation, monitoring functions, learn what is there and improve upon it.

Various comments from around the table included references to the Baltimore-Washington International airport having no display referencing slavery or African-American history
(Dr. Goodwin); African-American trail to Nova Scotia, bus tours offered in Halifax, there is an international flavor, global view of slavery (Dr. Papenfuse); travel to Paris showed they have a respect for history, not just race but respect for history (Dr. Goodwin).

Mr. Little is to give Dr. Ford information on land markers. (ACTION ITEM)

There being no further discussion, Delegate Burns offered a motion that Dr. Ford’s report be accepted. The motion was seconded by Dr. Papenfuse. Dr. Goodwin called for a vote. The motion was unanimously accepted.

Resources, Staff and Budget (Dr. Goodwin, Chair)

A brief review of budget implications is that the Commission is operating without staff or budget. Legislation set the Commission up but it is dependent on Maryland State Archives and Maryland Historical Trust. Support has been tremendous from the Commission members; however, the Commission needs a dedicated staff, division of labor among Commissioners cannot work, the Commission also needs resources as part of an ongoing process.

Dr. Foster was invited to attend this Commission meeting but even though she was very interested a conflict prevented her from attending. The Commission should approach Dr. Foster to see what she can do for us.

Dr. Goodwin read his report into the record. A copy will be hereto appended to these minutes.

Dr. Goodwin has been in communication with Mr. Little and Dr. Papenfuse about what some of our generic needs are likely to be. If we are to do any kind of a credible job even as a starting stage, we need to determine these needs. Mr. Little has agreed to work with Dr. Goodwin on the budget issues. Further budget information and strategies were presented. Dr. Papenfuse handed out a proposed budget submission for the Commission. An Administrator position and an Executive Associate position are listed; it should be noted that currently there has been money budgeted for research only; no money has been budgeted for the commemoration or legacy parts. The Commission walked through the budget handout that was laid out in 5 fiscal years beginning with Fiscal Year 2003 noting the Administrator position has a base salary of $48,405; Executive Associate has a base salary of $34,908; travel needs are important; contractual services would include publications and outreach, grant money considered ‘seed money’ to encourage work to be done.

Basically the Commission budget could be listed under the Maryland State Archives or the Maryland Historical Trust. However, it is important to understand that the money is not part of their operating budget but in addition to their operating budget. The budget proposal request is being submitted on behalf of the Commission and depends on the Commission to push not just
Dr. Papenfuse, and needs to cover legacy issues. Secretary Eloise Foster should be approached about the Commission budget requirements. Mr. Little stated that he agrees with the proposed budget, it is reasonable, not padded, strongly agrees with proceeding as a Commission budget.

Dr. Goodwin should meet with Secretary Foster by the end of August. (ACTION ITEM)

Delegate Burns asked for clarification on the role of Secretary Foster. She does make recommendations to the Governor. Dr. Papenfuse noted the Archives would submit over the Current People Services (CPS) by 2 percent, and reiterated that the request needs to be considered as a separate entity. Delegate Burns asked that since the proposed budget was very realistic, should we consider a pie-in-the-sky request in case it was decided to cut the budget proposal down. Dr. Goodwin noted that the Black Caucus may be helpful, a resource to aid the budget request. Mr. Little added that the Commission may need legal counsel in the future and that cost should be built in, for Attorney General to be reimbursed. Regardless of how legal counsel would be supplied, approximately $35,000 is needed. Dr. Goodwin asked whether the request for legal counsel should go through the Maryland Historical Trust; Mr. Little indicated the request should be remain completely with the Archives. Dr. Goodwin invited a motion to authorize a budget within the general framework of what had been discussed, and that would allow him to approach Sec. Foster on the Commission’s behalf, he would approach Secretary Foster in reference to the proposed budget as drafted.

Delegated Burns offered a motion on the budget as stated by Dr. Goodwin. The motion was seconded by Dr. Berlin.

Further discussion noted additional items. For the year 2007, grants and subsidies would be dropped from the Commission budget proposal, hoping that by then private interests will supply the grants (Dr. Paperfuse). Budget allotment for contractual services should be increased to include costs associated with legal services (Mr. Little). Position title change from Administrator to Executive Director, this individual should take responsibility for priorities that need to be undertaken, to execute the suggestions from the Commission (Dr. Berlin).

Dr. Goodwin called for a vote on the motion previously offered. The motion was unanimously accepted.

Still further discussion followed when Dr. Berlin asked what can we [the Commission] do to support the budget, who to contact. Delegate Burns recalled Dr. Goodwin’s earlier suggestion to initially contact the Black Caucus, possibly someone to testify if Governor puts in the budget.
Dr. Papenfuse broke the strategy down as: Phase I, Dr. Goodwin to meet with Secretary Foster to get her support; Phase II, anyone who has the Governor’s ear, should make contact, this Commission fits into the smart growth vision, making the most of what we have. Dr. Goodwin will report back to the Commission with the results of his meeting and may call on Commission members individually.

Resources Preservation (Dr. Papenfuse, Chair)

Dr. Papenfuse noted that the Archives had summer interns working on resource preservation during the summer, and they were invited to make presentations before the Commission. Before the interns began their presentations, he showed the Commission the link to the Resources Preservation Committee site. He noted that a priority was the underground railroad and called on Chris Haley who offered a progress report. Mr. Haley mentioned the National Park Services involvement; the idea of an interactive web site; attempts to find evidence including newspapers, laws, and court proceedings; the idea to produce a map of sites including paths of runaways [slaves]; evidence of aiding and abetting the escape of slaves. Volunteer, Jerry Hynson, was charged with following research through and working to make it user friendly. The whole purpose of the underground railroad was to keep it a secret, so research is difficult, need to clarify Maryland’s link to other states. Also, not all movement was in the cover of darkness -- there was movement in broad daylight, station masters participated, trickery, violence. Information is growing, the underground railroad was much larger than originally thought. It was noted that William Still’s book has been scanned and linked to the MSA web site.

Dr. Berlin offered congratulations to Dr. Papenfuse and group on the underground railroad site. He added that Cheryl LaRouche was giving a dissertation on the underground railroad, University of Maryland, American Studies, and that it might be of interest to the Commission.

Introduction of Summer Interns working on the Slavery Commission Projects.

Jamal Booker, Morehouse College, Atlanta: We worked on projects to see the legacy of slavery through the law.

Dana Sutton, Morgan University: We worked on a study of John Snowden [a link to John Snowden is provided under Biographical Research], a case that is referred to as a legal lynching. Generally, information has gone untapped and noted how hard the black community has had to fight to overcome slavery, need for diversity of resources. John Snowden was posthumously pardoned by Governor Glendening [this year]. Specific to the study of John Snowden, research showed 11 of 12 jurors asked for mercy, 2 witnesses recanted statements, the interns found transcript of trial, also found letters pointing to the guilt of the victim’s husband.

Dr. Papenfuse added information: The Archives is working on identifying African-American professionals through time across the State of Maryland and the first group being worked on is African American lawyers. Research shows that a comprehensive list is needed [a link to African American Lawyers in the Judiciary is provided under Biographical Research]. Beginning in 1898 anyone to be admitted to the Bar had to be admitted by the Court of Appeals. Since 1898 we have a list-- 45,000 index cards name each candidate. These cards have been scanned by hand, added on site, and are searchable; however, the information does not indicate whether the candidate is African American or not.

Additional research was done on Abraham (Abram) Jones as requested by Treasurer Dixon.
Mr. Jones was a member of the USCT [a link to Abraham Jones is provided under Biographical Research].

Megan Meyer, Boston College: Megan began work on the card indexing project last year and continued work this year. In addition to the card indexing, there are actual slave certificates of manumission and freedom, and the objective is to link information to these documents and also to include links to maps. Another resource is the Coleman Directories, 1913 - 1946. Morgan State University has the best collection. The Archives has 24 out of 33 directories and will be working to have a complete set [a link to the Coleman Directories is provided under Biographical Research]. Then the next step would be to match the Coleman Directories entries with African American Lawyers. Enoch Pratt Library has good bibliographic control of information, which could result in a profile of Baltimore, Annapolis, Washington, D.C.

Other issues: the Afro-American has the only known photograph of John Snowden. The Archives would like to borrow the issue and begin a collection of imagery with it. We would also like to have a complete database of all lawyers using the directories to build the database. Points of interesting information for example, Richard King petitioned Congress for admission of blacks to be accepted to the Bar prior to J. Evartt Warring (Mr. Warring has been listed as the first to pass the Bar). Warring went to law school before University of Maryland closed its doors to blacks. King went to school in Boston.

The Commissioners expressed their thanks and appreciation to the interns for their work and presentations.

Tentative Meeting Schedule

After a round table discussion of different time commitments of the Commission Members, it was decided that the next meeting should be scheduled during the last week in September. Emily Squires will contact Dr. Goodwin and then poll the Commission for the best day. (ACTION ITEM)

New Business

Delegate Burns noted how exciting the work of Commission is. He suggested the importance of networking to the outside and offered suggestions for outreach: (1) reception or coming out at the Governor’s Mansion with the Governor present; (2) contacting history professors,
department heads of all public schools; (3) show what we [the Commission] are accomplishing; (4) encouraging good public relations.

Dr. Goodwin suggested that the Commission should consider putting together an annual report and the possibility of being listed in the Governor’s budget as issue for funding.

There being no further business to discuss, Delegate Burns offered a motion to adjourn the meeting at 4:42 p.m. which was seconded by Dr. Berlin and unanimously approved, the Chairman concurring.

Approved by the Commission to Coordinate the Study, Commemoration, and Impact of Slavery’s History and Legacy in Maryland, September 25, 2001.