Walking into The Arts Center of Hartwell, the air is filled with a quiet sense of reverence and anticipation. The gallery is coming to life, its walls slowly transforming into a visual narrative of Hartwell’s African-American history. Tables are covered with black-and-white photographs, waiting to be placed in their respective spots on the gallery walls. Faint echoes of the past seem to whisper from the yellowed newspaper clippings and handwritten notes. Each photograph holds a story—of resilience, achievement, and the spirit of a community.
The creator of the exhibit, Ms. Loretta King, welcomes us warmly, meticulously fine-tuning the displays and keen to narrate the tales behind the images. Her voice is filled with undeniable passion as she gestures towards various photos, recounting the lively history of our African-American community.Â
At the heart of this exhibit is the history of Hart County Training School, an educational institution for African-American students from 1924 until its integration in 1970. One side of the gallery wall showcases decades of class photos, prom pictures, faculty portraits, and news articles. Despite the segregation of schools at that time, students received excellent instruction and support. King, an alumna of Hart County Training School, shares how the school staff positively influenced the local black community and hopes the exhibit conveys this impact.Â
Beyond the history of education, the exhibit also honors local figures who laid the groundwork for future generations, keeping alive the memory of those who influenced the town's cultural and social landscape. Among those are individuals like Mary H. Roebuck, the first Black nurse to serve Hart County Hospital, and Simeon "Blind Simmie" Dooley, a Hartwell native whose soulful country blues left a lasting imprint on music history.Â
This is more than an exhibit—it's an invitation to celebrate history, honor the voices of those who preceded us, and recognize the enduring significance of their contributions. Whether you have a strong interest in history or just wish to experience something meaningful this Black History Month, this exhibit is essential to visit. It will be showcased from February 13 to March 3 at the Arts Center of Hartwell.