The Historic Franklin Masonic Hall Foundation will host its first signature event, September 13-14, 2019. Crossroads: Reconsidering Native Americans and African Americans in Tennessee and the South, will explore the similarities, complexities and relationships between African Americans and Native Americans and seek an understanding of how their intertwined stories are a significant part of our American identity.
Crossroads is an educational initiative developed with an interdisciplinary approach to the longstanding interrelationships between Native Americans and African Americans and their ties to Franklin, Tennessee and the South. “This will be a truly historic moment for the historic Hall and the City of Franklin,’ said Executive Director Rachael Finch. ‘The significance of hosting a multi-cultural symposium in such a sacred space, will be a remarkable opportunity for all of us to share and hold meaningful dialogue on the difficult topics of removal, enslavement, freedom, citizenship politics and legacies.”
Sponsored by the Tennessee Civil War National Heritage Area and Franklin Synergy Bank, Crossroads will address the often overlooked interrelationships that connect Native Americans and African Americans and provide attendees a greater understanding of why American Indian Removal, the Civil War, Reconstruction, citizenship, land ownership, race and gender remains relevant in today’s modern world.
Take part in the dialogue surrounding Native American and African American history through presentations, panels, keynote speakers, cocktails and conversations. Attending scholars, historians, museum professionals, community leaders, citizens, K-12 and collegiate educators are encouraged to reach out to anyone who may be interested in engaging in these critical historic and cultural topics.
Early two day registration is $125 and Foundation members are $100. Discounted registration is available for educators and college students. To register for the two day event and September 12th tours, go to www.hfmhfoundation.org/crossroads. For additional information or questions, please contact Executive Director Rachael Finch at [email protected].
Established since 2013, The Historic Franklin Masonic Hall Foundation is a 501(c) 3 dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of the Historic Franklin Masonic Hall, a National Historic Landmark. The Foundation’s mission is to bond place, all people, and story witnessed at the crossroads of the American experience.
