**This page is an advertisement only. All contact information & location is found at the bottom of page.**
For almost half a century, the building now known as the EDDIE MAE HERRON CENTER served as the hub for religious and educational activities for the African American community in Pocahontas and the surrounding communities. This small, unadorned, one-room frame building was built in 1919 and became known as the St. Mary’s AME Church. The building soon took on another name in keeping with its function: “POCAHONTAS COLORED SCHOOL.” For about thirty years after its construction, the building would continue to serve as a church, while its function as a school would stretch on until the passage of Civil Rights legislation in the 1960s. In addition to these uses, the building has, through the years, housed many community events for the African American community.
Current Events
Regularly scheduled events kick off in January as the celebration of DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. begins, therefore, February is perhaps the centers busiest month being BLACK HISTORY MONTH. Be sure to check with the center as different activities, historical lectures and demonstrations take place nearly every day.
Learn the arts of soap making and quilt making as well as seeing a hog butchered and how fresh sausage is made. Festivities around the Easter weekend include a fundraising BBQ with the best of RIBS and/or BOSTON BUTTS. Don’t miss this one. In June one of the largest celebrations take place with the JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION celebrating the end of the CIVIL WAR. This celebration is filled with something for everyone. In December they close out the year with their OPEN HOUSE FOR CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION. Many activities and events take place throughout the year so be sure to check with the center periodically.
While on your visit be sure to hear the story of THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD FREEDOM QUILT and visit the gift shop where you’ll find Cookbooks, Quilts, T-Shirts and much more. You can also purchase a MEMORY BRICK for the MEMORY BRICK FLOWER GARDEN to honor friends or family members and help support the center. Contact the center for more information.
Board Members
We want to thank all of our board members who have worked so hard to make this museum an integral part of the black history and culture of Randolph county.
Pat Johnson-Chair Board of Directors, Wanda Hogue-Secretary, Jessie Ballard-Treasurer, David Jansen, Tommy O’Donnell, Tasha Meeks, Margaret McCarroll, Sherman Ballard, Jan Ziegler & Sherley Johnson.
Honorary Members: Sue Agnes Young & Helen McCarroll.
ADMISSION FEES
FREE (Donations appreciated)
HOURS
Mon-Fri. 10am-3pm
Sat-Sun. By Appointment Only
PHONE
870-892-4433
ADDRESS
1708 Archer Street
Pocahontas, AR 72455
www.herroncenter.org
To go to the Eddie Mae Herron Center website click HERE.
Have you visited this museum? If so, please leave a comment. Thanks.
BREATHE LIFE!
Ella McFadden says
Several of my family members visited the Eddie Mae Herron Center a few weeks ago and we found a picture of one of my mother’s aunts. So very awesome!