Free Special Programming During African-American Heritage Month

Date: January 25, 2016
Contact: Rhonda Schier, 314-655-1614

Saturday, February 6th - 12:00PM
The USAF Band of Mid-America's Starlifter Rock Band:
Featuring vocalist Technical Sergeant Keisha Gwin, the band will perform in the Old Courthouse rotunda. The Starlifter Band has deployed and played around the world and will be performing jazz standards from Gershwin to Stevie Wonder.

Saturdays, February 6th, 13th, and 27th - 1:00PM
Dred Scott Portrait Painting:
Discover the history of one of the factors leading to the American Civil War while creating art. Visitors will work with a park ranger who is also a professional artist to paint an oil portrait of Dred Scott. The image is based on one of the few surviving images of Mr. Scott from the period. Supplies are provided.

Saturday, February 27th - 12:00 PM
The Roots of Jazz:
Visitors will join a Park Ranger to learn about American Jazz and its evolution from African roots. During this interactive program Ranger Steve Frioux will use the trombone and clave, an Afro-Cuban percussion instrument, to demonstrate musical styles throughout history. Ranger Frioux retired from a career leading the US Air Force Band and has a Bachelor's Degree in Music Performance from the University of Louisiana Lafayette. 

Saturdays and Sundays throughout February - 2:00 PM
Reenactment of the Dred and Harriet Scott Case:
The enslaved Scott family, including Dred, Harriet, and their daughters, sued for their freedom from slavery prior to the Civil War. In one of the restored courtrooms, rangers will facilitate, and participants will read printed scripts, taking on the roles of the people involved in Mr. and Mrs. Scott's 1850 trial. 

Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, which includes the Gateway Arch and Old Courthouse, is one of the more than 400 units of the National Park Service. The Old Courthouse is located at 11 North 4th Street in downtown St. Louis.