The Missouri Historical Society Commemorative Activities

Including the Annie Malone Parade

May 20, 2007

The Annual Annie Malone Parade held on May 20, 2007, had two special guests from the past this year. As only one of the many activities and commemorative events sponsored by the Missouri Historical Society, this year, “Dred and Harriet” appears in a float designed as a courtroom scene. Cheers went up as they went the route. This honored was bestowed them for the Anniversary commemorating the 150th year since the Dred Scott Decision was rendered by the U. S. Supreme Ct. What a nice tribute to two freedom fighters who found the courage to go all the way!

In addition to the parade, an almost sacred display was shown from March – April just at the base of the Jefferson statue at the North entrance. The March edition of the Monthly Magazine had a most beautiful cover. On the inside cover was a letter from Dr. Robert Archibald, President, Missouri Historical Society and the first article was about Mr. Scott and his case. This is certainly a most appreciated commemorative issue! Thank you, Dr. Archibald.

In February 2007, Donn Johnson, Director of Communications, provided for a DVD message to be made to support author Mary Neighbor, author of Speak Right On, a 2006 novel written about the life of Dred Scott. Mary is a delightful lady who with her publisher, Toby Press, invited Lynne Jackson to participate at the Library of Congress on March 6, 2007. As this was the exact anniversary date, Lynne was in St. Louis, MO. In lieu of her attendance, a DVD was made at the St. Louis History Museum and with thanks to Donn and crew, Lynne was shown in Washington DC as part of their commemoration of the 150th anniversary.

On March 31, The Missouri Historical Society sponsored one of their tours dedicated to locations around St. Louis that pertain to their lives. Lynne M. Jackson, a great-great granddaughter of the Scott’s was honorary tour guide for the day, assisting veteran tour guide Ms. Linda, a favorite among regular tourists, and tour coordinator, Tami Goldberg. Lynne talked about The Ville area where she and the previous generations of the Dred Scott family were born. At the age of 5 her family moved from the Ville, but it remained a large part of her life. The Ville today remains rich in African American History. This historic Antioch Baptist Church was home to the great-granchildren and their children from 1910-1988. The first black high school west of the Mississippi River was Sumner High. The church and the school were literally within a few hundred feet of the home of Lynne’s grandparents and their seven children. Lynne refers to Dr. John Wright, local author and historian as the expert and someone she can refer to when needed. He created a walking tour guild of celebrated African American sites in the city, mentioning the Ville and the Dred Scott impact several times.

A new stop on the tour was Greenwood Cemetery, where Harriet Scott is buried. Ms. Etta Daniels joined the tour at the site and came on the bus sharing the history, discoveries and future hopes for this location. (She is a researcher and has found many individuals through the cemetery records and is helping The Dred Scott Heritage Foundation with genealogical research, along with Ruth Ann Hagar of the St. Louis County Library.) Lois Connelly, of the Black World History Wax Museum provided a lunch that was hard to tear away from. The tour was an excellent stop but everyone has to go back to truly enjoy every item available there to experience. It is a most unique historical site.

As an FYI, you might just find Lynne wondering around the original oil painting of Dred on the third floor or in one of the history galleries and definitely in the gift shop. It’s her secret place to go to relax and just enjoy the reality of the past.

Thank you, Bob Archibald, Donn Johnson and all the supporters from MOHIS!