Hagerstown, MD – The Doleman Black Heritage Museum is thrilled to announce the preorder launch for the first installment in a series of four books dedicated to the journey and significance behind the architectural plan and design of its state-of-the-art forever home. Titled "Metaphorically Speaking," this book offers a captivating exploration of the museum's architectural vision and the profound meaning behind its design.
Authored by Alesia Parson-McBean and beautifully illustrated by Terri Brant, owner of New View Creative, this book is a testament to the vision and dedication of the Doleman family. A portion of the book's creation was made possible through a grant award fromWashington County Grant Management: Community Organization Funds (COF). Photographs featured in the book are sourced from the esteemed Doleman family collection.
"This keepsake book embodies the museum's spirit and pays tribute to the founder's legacy. It captures the essence of the Black American experience and the organization's architectural journey, which culminates in this envisioned state-of-the-art facility," says Alesia Parson, Project Director of DBHM.
As part of its Capital Campaign, donations toward a minimum of $1,000 secure a preorder of "Metaphorically Speaking," contributing directly to realizing the museum's transformative cultural hub. Purchasers' names will appear in the next book as project supporters. Books will be available in March, offering readers a unique perspective into the evolution of the museum's architectural narrative.
To preorder "Metaphorically Speaking" online and support the DBHM's Capital Campaign,
Click Here or contact Mr. Paul Ward at pwthesnapdragon@hotmail.com. Or call the museum at 301.797.5019. Join us on this journey as we work towards bringing our vision to life and preserving the rich heritage of African American culture.
I penned the book "Metaphorically Speaking" as we embarked on the endeavor to build a future home for our museum and organization as a tribute to our ancestors. Growing up on Jonathan Street during the Civil Rights era instilled in me invaluable life lessons that have inspired the creation of this book and fueled the drive to realize this project to its magnificent completion.
In the current socio-political climate, where some quarters resist the accurate portrayal of American history, the Board of Directors at DBHM is committed to bringing this vision to life within the Jonathan Street corridor.
This project encapsulates the authentic struggles, challenges, obstacles, and barriers Black Americans face. Picture a time when the powers that be would label you as subhuman, shiftless, and lazy. At the same time, within your community, elders would instill the belief that you are chosen and destined for excellence at every turn.
Consider the foresight required to gather artifacts validating a people's existence in Hagerstown and Washington County, culminating in establishing the Doleman Black History Museum within a personal residence. Margurite and Charles Doleman achieved just that, and many of us proudly stand as products of their sacrifice and teachings in our history.
The Doleman Black Heritage Museum's Future Home Project embodies a commitment—a covenant—to honor Mr. Doleman's wish to maintain the collection's unity and open a museum within Jonathan Street's Black community. More significantly, the museum stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Doleman family.
Amidst this project's peaks and valleys, I maintain unwavering faithfulness and optimism about its capacity to serve the broader interests of our community and society.
Indeed, envisioning the projected cost of $23,000,000 for this project underscores the challenges inherent in raising such substantial capital funding, particularly within a community where our presence has historically been and is a minority. This reality highlights the hurdles we face in securing the necessary resources.
This keepsake book is crucial to the museum's comprehensive fundraising endeavors. Metaphorically Speaking is the first installment in a series of books that takes one on the architectural plan and design journey, from groundbreaking to ribbon cutting. It serves as an invitation—an opportunity for individuals to participate as investors in honoring a profound legacy, becoming witnesses to history in the making, and advocating for this transformative project.
By purchasing this book, you acquire a piece of our shared narrative and actively contribute to realizing a vision that transcends individual stories. This vision seeks to celebrate heritage, educate generations, and unify communities.
Your support is pivotal not only for the success of this project but also in affirming the value of preserving our collective history and cultural heritage. Join us as we embark on this journey towards creating a lasting tribute to the past, present, and future.
Thank you for being supportive of the Doleman Black Heritage Museum!
Preorder "Metaphorically Speaking" HERE
