Vince Leggett, “Admiral of the Chesapeake” and founder of the Blacks of the Chesapeake Foundation will be at the historic Galesville Community Center (former Rosenwald School) for a special program on Saturday, February 29, 2020. Doors open at 2:00 pm.
Admiral Leggett will share a multi-media presentation at 3:00 pm, highlighting the culinary heritage and traditions of popular African American retreats that once thrived as places of fun and leisure on the Chesapeake Bay just south of Annapolis. Hear accounts and memories about famous beach venues owned and operated by Elizabeth Carr Smith and her sister Florence Carr Sparrow during the 1930s-1970s with a focus on music, entertainment and leisure during times of segregation.
Participants will be actively involved in this program as we encourage casual dinner table conversations exploring and contemplating some of the following topics: What types of food were sold at restaurants, lounges, and concessions located on and near the beaches? Who were the cooks, chefs, and caterers who prepared food and fed hungry beach goers? What favorite dishes did families bring to the beach in their picnic baskets? And what are your family food-related traditions related to picnics and eating outdoors?
The Galesville Community Center Organization, Inc. will prepare samples of some types of food served at the beach and at other community fundraising events, including fish, chicken, and oysters! This is an interactive program that will be videoed, and we encourage participants to come prepared to share your family recipes and your own stories of “Cooking on the Chesapeake!”
Admiral Leggett will also have available autographed copies of his book, The Chesapeake Bay Through Ebony Eyes, which is chock full of recipes and stories about African American life on the Bay.
