Community:
Looking back along the heritage trail
January 13, 2004
Story
by Elaine Weintraub
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Lynn Ditchfield, a veteran high school teacher who is leading
a graduate course. Photos by Ralph Stewart
Elaine Weintraub enjoys Adam Downing's song. Students used
many forms of expression to bring African American history
to life.
(From left) Linsey Lee, Lynne Whiting, and Carrie Tankard
carefully look at each project. Awards were given in categories
such as art, film, and outstanding paper.
(From left) Alexis Moreis, Sagitta Woodman, and Janey Sobel
in their film "In the African Kitchen." The film
won an award.
(From left) Elaine Weintraub, Carrie Tankard, co-founder of
the heritage trail, and Mandred Henry, past-president of the
NAACP of Martha's Vineyard, watch the presentations on Dec.
7, 2004.
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An array of
art work, research papers, original films, web sites, and other
creative projects marked the exhibits at the annual African American
Heritage Trail event at Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School
on Dec. 7.
One of the new web sites related to the Overton House in Oak Bluffs,
while the other documented the heroic rescue of a fugitive from
enslavement on the Vineyard in 1854.
“We all worked hard on it, and it came out really well,”
said Kevin Segal who created the Overton House website with fellow
students. “I am proud of what we did.”
One of his partners, Max Shay, said he knew nothing about the Overton
House when he began the project, and now their web site could be
used by anyone wanting more information on the subject.
“I had no idea that Martin Luther King stayed here,” said
Max. “Its an incredible thought.”
The web site describing the rescue of the fugitive from enslavement
featured haunting drawings by Matthew Scott. “Drawing is just
something I can do,” he said modestly.
Enslavement was also the theme of Matt Seklecki’s work: “I
could not have worked any harder than I did,” said Matt. “I
read books and researched information. I really did my best with
my paper.”
The young women who had concentrated their efforts on providing
a filmed cooking show for their fellow students with examples of
the food, reported the project was enjoyable, but also quite difficult.
“It was fun,” said Sagitta Woodman, “but it took
us ages, and the camera did not work, and we had to start again.
But it was great working with friends and doing something that you
could actually be proud of.” Her friends and fellow hosts for
the African Kitchen, Alexis Moreis and Janey Sobel, agreed.
During the heritage trail presentations students in all the sophomore
social studies classes got to eat well, with dishes ranging from
fish prepared by a Kenyan recipe, fried chicken, and West African
vegetable stew, to coconut rice and an array of wonderful, calorie-packed
cakes. Connie Toteneau planned her presentation for an afternoon
class, explaining, “Who will want to eat West African stew
made with sweet potatoes and all kinds of vegetables first thing
in the morning? But when we meet in the afternoon, people will eat
it.”
“It was great to be able to do what I know I do really well,
and share what I know,” said Jessica Forend who, with her friends,
cooked a complete soul food meal.
The theme of community involvement, a regular feature of heritage
trail events, was evident in the participation of the Irish History
class. Music was provided by the Irish History class troubadours,
Nico Ewing and Adam Downing. They were joined for an evening of
music by Adam Lipsky.
“It’s fun to do it,” said Adam, “and it gives
us a chance to play together. It’s easier than the Irish music
we are learning to play because it is the blues, and we play that
all the time.”
The event was catered by the Irish History class, with generous
help from local businesses, as part of the students’ fundraising
drive for their trip to Ireland next April. The theme of connection
continued with the choice of judges, one of whom, Joel Graves, was
a student in the Oak Bluffs School when the work of the Heritage
Trail was beginning.
“I remember some of that, but I was only in grade school,”
said Joel. “These projects are wonderful. I particularly like
the ones that really showcase the Island and share new information.”
His wife, Elaine Mercier Graves, agreed.
“This is incredible” she said. “I was a member of
the first high school Heritage Trail class, and it was just beginning.
We thought it was really great, but I can’t believe the progress
that the trail has made. These kids are really creative and have
worked so hard.”
Carrie Tankard, vice president of the board of the African American
Heritage Trail, was on hand to judge the projects. “I like
to really look at everything, and I can see the effort that all
the students make,” she said.
For social studies teacher John Tirrell, the experience was a real
eye-opener. “I have enjoyed every minute of it, and have been
so impressed with what the kids have done,” he said. “I
have learned a lot, and I will be working on this again next year.
I love the way that the project encourages and rewards kids from
all walks of life.”
Elaine Weintraub is a teacher at the Martha’s Vineyard Regional
High School and a board member of the African American Heritage
Trail of Martha’s Vineyard.
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