MCA's Executive Director Caroline Taylor, Dame Judi Dench and Sugarland Ethno-History Project President Gwen Reese. Some church scenes in the 2013 film "Philomena" were filmed in St Paul Community Church - the center of the historic Sugarland Community.
This year's Royce Hanson Award honors a rich history, lovingly preserved. MCA is proud to award the 2020 Royce Hanson Award to the Sugarland Ethno-History Project and the tireless work of their President, Gwen Reese.
The Sugarland Ethno-History Project (SEHP) began in 1995 to document the African American community of Sugarland, founded by freed slaves in Montgomery County Maryland. SEHP promotes and highlights the experience of the African American from slavery to present day. To date the organization has collected more than 1,000+ artifacts and documents- some of which now live in the National African American Museum. Locals will know the lovingly maintained St. Paul Community Church on Sugarland Lane. Though the original church burned down in 1871, the current structure has been standing since 1893. The extensive information on the SEHP site states, "the current structure stands as a testimony and tribute to our heritage and the founding families of the community."
The Sugarland Ethno-History Project (SEHP) began in 1995 to document the African American community of Sugarland, founded by freed slaves in Montgomery County Maryland. SEHP promotes and highlights the experience of the African American from slavery to present day. To date the organization has collected more than 1,000+ artifacts and documents- some of which now live in the National African American Museum. Locals will know the lovingly maintained St. Paul Community Church on Sugarland Lane. Though the original church burned down in 1871, the current structure has been standing since 1893. The extensive information on the SEHP site states, "the current structure stands as a testimony and tribute to our heritage and the founding families of the community."
The history of the Sugarland Community is profiled in a new book by the Sugarland Ethno-History Project "I Have Started for Canaan" - read more and buy your copy here.
When leading tours of the Ag Reserve, St Paul Community Church is a fascinating stop. Gwen has been gathering the stories of the many families that founded the community and kept it going with its own store, post office and school for many decades.
In lieu of the usual in person celebration, we are planning for the planting of a sugar maple at the church and a plaque to honor SEHP's decades of work. This dedication will take place in December, stay tuned.
