The Historical Society Of Brooklyn
Illinois has partnered with Brooklyn Schools, ITARP and the University of
Illinois to develop and implement our student mentoring program.
Students who attend Brooklyn Schools (grades 8th through 12th) are
eligible to participate in the mentoring program. A student must maintain
a three point GPA, have demonstrated leadership qualities, outstanding
conduct and an interest in the heritage and history of Brooklyn, Illinois, and
desire to continue their education at a four year accredited
university.
The Cemetery Restoration an Preservation Project began Jun
11, 2007. Dawn Cobb of the Illinois Hisoric Preservation Agency
and Hal Hasen of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources traveled to
Brooklyn, Illinois, to conduct a cemetery workshop. Students were
instructed in the proper procedures to probe, excavate, clean and repair
headstones. They will return this fall to continue working with
professionals and volunteers from ITARP. This project has helped our students develop a sense of community pride and interest in the history of
the people interned at our historic cemetery which IHPA has recognized
as one of the Oldest Free African American Cemeteries in
Illinois.
Preliminary test were completed at locations within the town of
Brooklyn that have been identified as the homestead sites of our
Founding Families. Joe Galloy and a team of archaeologist have determined that
the site is intact. Dr. Fennell of the New Philadelphia Project,
along with Dr. Tom Emerson and Joe Galloy have submitted a grant proposal to the
National Science Foundation to fund a multi-year archaeological
field school in Brooklyn. If approved, they plan to begin excavation in the summer of 2009. They also hope to establish a
program in which students from our mentoring program can work side by
side with archaeologist to recover artifacts and document students' findings.
This would be a rare opportunity for our students and
participants to witness history in the making. They would witness
firsthand the remnants of our Founding Families' lives.
To join
our student mentoring program, please contact Dr. Raelyn Parks at (618) 271-1014
and request the district office. HSOBI
