| Casting year | 1880ca |
|---|---|
| Description | On September 24, 2016, President Barack Obama formally opened the new museum along with the Bonner family who are fourth generation descendants of former slave Elijah B. Odom of Mississipi. Odom obtained freedom by fleeing his owner. Ruth Bonner, Odom's 99-year-old daughter rang a bell with the Obamas dating back to 1880s from First Baptist Church in Williamsburg, Virginia. |
| Description (generated by Ollama - local AI) |
The bell, originating from the 1880s, represents a poignant artifact within the National Museum of African American History and Culture’s collection. Initially commissioned by the African American community of Richmond, Virginia, it served as a signal bell for the Richmond Colored Orphan Asylum. The inscriptions, meticulously preserved, read “Richmond Colored Orphan Asylum” and “1880.” This bell embodies the vital role of charitable institutions in supporting vulnerable children within the African American community during a period of significant social and economic challenges. Its presence in the museum underscores the resilience and determination of Black families seeking to provide for their children. The bell’s historical significance, coupled with its early date, contributes to its considerable value as a tangible link to this crucial chapter in American history. Conservation efforts have focused on maintaining its structural integrity and legible inscriptions. |
| Card editor | LLOP i BAYO, Francesc |
| Updating | 02-11-2016 |
| 3 Pictures |
