SESQUICENTENNIAL SPECIAL EVENTS 1996

January 2
Smith County Historical Society - A.C. Gentry presents "The Preservation of Local History through Art."

January 15
African American Committee - Candle Light Service to honor Dr. Martin Luther King at the Emmett Scott Cultural and Educational Center.

January 25
Sesquicentennial Committee - Official kick-off of Sesquicentennial at The Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce's Business Expo, 5 PM-7 PM at Harvey Convention Center.

January 26
African American Committee - Presentation of M.L. King Scholars at the UT Tyler Multi-Cultural Student Union

February 8
Smith County Historical Society - "Save Me a Place at Forest Lawn", a one-act play with two veteran performers on the Tyler stage, Jean Samford and Joyce Paro, and a short history of the Tyler Civic Theater presented by Merry Lu Gentry and Barre Monigold. The Theater is celebrating their 47th season and was the first theater in America built specifically for theater-in-the-round. The event will be held at the theater located next to the Tyler Rose Museum and is free to the public. You do not have to be a member of the Historical Society to attend.

February 10
African American Committee - Observe Tyler's heritage during the Black History Bowl at Texas College.

February 16
African American Committee - Black tie dinner with well-known musician George Faber, who was commissioned to write a song in celebration of Tyler/Smith County's Sesquicentennial.

March 5
Smith County Historical Society - Past President's Panel, Four former SCHS presidents will present brief historical reports on Smith County's past. The panel includes: Loy Gilbert (1969, 1970, 1987), Mary Jane McNamara (1977), Linda Cross (1983), and Andrew L. Leath (1986).

March 9
African American Committee - African American Women Quilters at the Tyler Museum of Art.

March 16
African American Committee - Multi-cultural Tribute to women, luncheon at the Rose Garden.

April 17
Smith County Historical Society - Historical presentation on Susanna Dickinson at the Jean Brown Theater on the Tyler Junior College campus.

April 18
Smith County Historical Society - A Sesquicentennial Band Concert featuring the Community Ensemble honoring Doc Witt at the Apache Room on the Tyler Junior College campus.

April 19
Sesquicentennial Committee - "150 Years of Memories, From Oil Booms to Roses", Banquet at Harvey Convention Center featuring a salute to Tyler/Smith County's Sesquicentennial. Guest speaker will be Harrison Tyler, grandson of President John Tyler. There will be entertainment, an historical video and other distinguished guests. Open to the public. Admission fee.

April 20
Sesquicentennial Parade - Downtown Tyler, organizations will be asked to represent a decade in our history. Henry Bell - chairman. Groups are encouraged to participate.

April 20
Sesquicentennial Birthday Cake - Downtown Tyler, citizens, especially children will be asked to participate in helping construct and decorate the "longest cake" ever made.

May 7
Smith County Historical Society - Jack Pollard will present a program on the "History of the Douglas. Holland. Pollard House".

May 11
African American Committee - Songfest with all churches and special groups. The event will be held at the Caldwell Auditorium.

June 4
Smith County Historical Society - An ice cream social is planned at an historical site, call for more information.

June 19
African American Committee - An all family picnic will be held in observance of the Juneteenth Celebration.

July 2
Smith County Historical Society - James Wilkins, a past president of the organization will present a program on the crash of a B-25 bomber in Sam R. Hill Lake in 1943. He will discuss the loss the 4-man crew, the salvage operation, the rumor of the loss of a Norden bomb sight during World War II.

July 20
African American Committee - A dinner is planned at a local college with entertainment to include a program entitled, "Rites of Passage; Focus on the Black Cowboy

August 6
Smith County Historical Society - Vicki Betts, author of "Smith County, Texas in the Civil War", will discuss how Tyler citizens reacted to the Camp Ford prison and the many Union captives in the largest prisoner of war camp west of the Mississippi River, Payne Auditorium.

August
African American Committee - Seminar scheduled to focus on the Black family and a back to school parade is planned.

September 3
Smith County Historical Society - Terry Cowan will present a program on "Bullard, Texas - An Update", A recounting of the new book on this small village near the Cherokee County line, and stories from the history of this interesting community.

September
Smith County Historical Society - Participating in the East Texas State Fair with a booth representing our rich history.

September
African American Committee - First annual Harambee Festival is planned along with a Black Expo sponsored by the Tyler Metropolitan Chamber.

September 7
Heart of Tyler/Main Street - Festival On The Square, Downtown Tyler will feature soldiers from the local Civil War artillery brigade.

October 1
Smith County Historical Society - "Down Memory Lane", a panel program where local historians present short reports on the findings of their research. Payne Auditorium.

October
African American Committee - African American influence on the Rose Industry.

November 5
Smith County Historical Society - "History of Texas College", The story of Texas College, Tyler's black college and its remarkable story of producing leaders and followers over its long history.

December 3
Smith County Historical Society - Christmas Banquet at the Woman's Building.

December 26
African American Committee - Kwanza activities at the Emmett Scott Cultural and Educational Center.