Marietta History Center to Host Special Event

July 10, 2025

CONTACT: Amy Reed

770-794-5710

areed@mariettaga.gov

MARIETTA, GA -

The Marietta History Center invites the public to a special evening of reflection, education, and cultural exploration on Wednesday, July 23^rd, 2025, as we present the temporary traveling exhibit, Before Slavery, accompanied by a thought-provoking lecture from guest speaker Dr. Seneca Vaught.

Light refreshments will be served beginning at 5:30 PM, and the lecture will begin promptly at 6:00 PM.

The exhibit, Before Slavery, offers a compelling look at the lives, culture, and legacy of the African people of Bunce Island and the enduring heritage of the Gullah community in the American South. This traveling exhibition is presented by the Vibrant Health Association and seeks to shed light on African traditions that not only survived the horrors of the Middle Passage but continue to shape Southern culture today.

Our guest lecturer, Dr. Seneca Vaught, is an accomplished scholar whose teaching and research focus on race, culture, and policy within the African Diaspora, as well as community engagement and immersive global learning. Dr. Vaught's work has been published in Souls, Spectrum, Groundings, and Afro-Americans in New York Life and History, where he also served as editor.

He is the recipient of numerous honors, including the John B. Muir Editor Award and the Williams Wells Brown Award, recognizing his contributions to applied historical research and civic engagement.

Attendees will leave with a richer understanding of African contributions to American history and culture, and the historical resilience of communities whose stories have long been underrepresented.

To learn more about the exhibit, visit https://beforeslavery.com. To purchase tickets to the History Center or the lecture, visit https://mariettahistorycenter.shopsettings.com/Events-c106347515

Event Details:
Date: Wednesday, July 23^rd, 2025
Time: Refreshments at 5:30 PM | Lecture at 6:00 PM
Location: Marietta History Center, 1 Depot Street, Marietta, Ga 30060
Admission: $10 General Admission / $5 Museum Members

For media inquiries, group visits, or more information, please contact Museum Director, Amy Reed at areed@mariettaga.gov For more information, call 770-794-5710 or visit www.MariettaHistory.org.