Culture, history on display at annual Barrett Elementary Black History Month Living Interactive Museum

  • Posted February 27, 2025

Inside the halls of Barrett Elementary, a young elementary student pressed her hand to a sign on a wall. As she did, a figure came to life. Phillis Wheatley, portrayed by Desiree Harrison, began to share her life story. Sold into slavery out of West Africa, Wheatley became the first African American to publish a book of poetry. As students and community members gathered around her, Harrison relayed information about Wheatley's life and work.

Down the hall, another group of students listed to traditional stories in specific dialects. Two floors above, they drummed away on African instruments.

Those were the scenes inside Barrett Elementary's annual Black History Month Living Interactive Museum on Thursday, February 27, 2025. Now in its sixth year, the museum is an annual celebration of culture and history. This year's theme focused on African Americans and Labor.

The passion project of elementary teacher Ms. Jonette Bost and organized by the Barrett Elementary Special Events Committee under her leadership, the museum allows Steel Valley School District elementary students to actively engage in learning about important figures and moments in American history. Whether it's a local and regional flair or internationally recognizeable names, each exhibit gives the students an opportunity to expand their knowledge.

For the first time, classes from Park Elementary joined their Barrett Elementary peers to tour the museum, participate in the activities, sample some delicious traditional food, and learn.

The displays are wide-ranging, touching on everything from traditional African folklore and history to the impact of Black Americans in science, business, sports, entertainment, and beyond. Students at Barrett spent the last few months making quilts with messages on them, and each quilt was on display alongside one that was donated to the event in 2024.

Many students explored the museum with their parents or family members, who were invited to attend along with the community.

Enjoy some photos from the 2025 edition of the museum below.

 

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