RELIC News: February 2025

EXPLORE RELIC: FEBRUARY 2025

Freedom, Education, and Sacrifice

Written by Mary Kitiyakara, Senior Librarian/RELIC Manager

In December, I attended the groundbreaking for the new Jennie Dean Elementary School. After the ceremony, there was a discussion about the extraordinary accomplishment of Jennie Dean, an ex-slave, to have established a multi-building school, the Manassas Industrial School for Colored Youth, in 1894. How did an enslaved person who was, by law, not allowed to be educated know the value of an education? Perhaps she observed that freedom and education went hand in hand for anyone to have a chance at a better life.

Between the time of Jennie Dean’s Manassas Industrial School for Colored Youth in 1894 and the building of an elementary school in her honor today, many laws were written to segregate and maintain unfair treatment of those oppressed within society, and many lives were sacrificed so that the next generation could find the strength to fight for true freedom and equal opportunities in society for a better life. During Black History Month, RELIC honors those who gave so much for children to have the chance to grow up, defy negative expectations, and continue to strive for a better tomorrow.

Visit Central Library this month to view the Historic Preservation’s Thoroughfare Gap exhibit and register to attend a program on Friday, February 7, at 2:00 p.m., for a discussion, presented by the Historic Preservation, about the exhibit and the online learning experience.

DIGITAL LIBRARY FEATURE

Civil War in Words and Deeds

The Civil War in Words and Deeds database collects original narratives, personal narratives, and regimental histories from the Civil War.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Historic Thoroughfare Gap Exhibit and Discussion: Central

Grades 11 and Up

Friday, February 7, 2:00 p.m.

Join the Historic Preservation of Prince William County as they give a brief overview of the traveling exhibit "Historic Thoroughfare" and the online exhibit meant to further explore the history of the land and the community. Registration required.

Traditional African Drum Circle

Haymarket Gainesville (All Ages/Families):

Saturday, February 8, 2:00 p.m.

Montclair (Young Adults/Adults):

Saturday, February 22, 12:00 p.m.

Learn the history and process of making traditional African drums, and rhythms, techniques, and etiquettes.

Upcycled Vintage Postcards: Central

Grades 9 and Up

Wednesday, February 12, 5:30–7:00 p.m.

We'll use colorful fabric scraps to transform plain mats into one-of-a-kind frames for unique, vintage wall decorations. First come, first seated while supplies last.

History and a Book Group: Central

Adults

Tuesday, February 18, 6:00 p.m.

History and a Book Group discusses historical fiction and nonfiction books and the historical events and time periods in the stories. This month, we’ll discuss “Yellow Wife” by Sadeqa Johnson. Registration required.

Local History Tour Group: Central

Grades 11 and Up

Friday, February 21, 11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

The Local History Tour Group takes learning outside the library by visiting local historical sites. This month, visit Lucasville School or Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre on your own, and we will meet to discuss the site. Registration required.

Start your historical journey here. RELIC's email newsletter highlights upcoming free events and happenings. Genealogy and local Virginia history are our specialties as a service provided by Prince William Public Libraries (PWPL). You can always find more about us on RELIC's webpage.

RELIC service is available:

In-person at Central Library, by email at librelic@pwcgov.org, and by phone at 703–792–8380.

Hours of Operation

Monday–Wednesday: 10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.

Thursday–Friday: 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

First and Third Saturdays: 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Closed Sunday

Due to a staff shortage, RELIC is not always staffed during the above hours. However, the room is available, and service desk staff or substitutes can often help. Please call ahead for staffed hours if you need RELIC staff to be present.

Ask the Tree Doctor

If you wish to make an appointment with Darlene Hunter, RELIC Tree Hunter, please email librelic@pwcgov.org or call 703–792–8380.

Download our Explore magazine, or grab one at your nearest library, to learn more about our upcoming programs.

librarycommunications@pwcgov.org | 703-792-8150

Questions and comments are always welcome.