Dismukes Project Learning Tour

Image

The Dismukes Project provides a unique experience to learn more about Black history and experiences in the coalfields of Appalachia, while also learning the incredible story of Dr. Henry Dodford Dismukes. 

Dismukes, an African American Physician in the early 1900’s, founded the largest privately owned Black hospital in the country for its time. The hospital has been discovered to be located on the grounds of MCC property in McDowell County, Kimball, West Virginia. 

Learn more about the Dismukes Project

Participants will get the opportunity to tour the various sites connected to Dr. Dismukes and learn what MCC is doing to preserve Black history in the area. 

The learning tour will be framed by four key topics:

1. Forgotten Black History in Appalachia: Dr. Dismukes and Dr. Harrison Story
2. Challenges and Resilience of Black Appalachia
3. Picking up the pieces: A Broken Community
4. Reflection and Response for Action

The Dismukes Learning Tour is an opportunity for MCC staff, constituents, partners, and interested parties to learn more about the anti-racism work that MCC is doing in Appalachia. Cost of the tour is $500, which includes shared lodging, food for the duration of the time, and activities. Participants will be responsible for their travel to and from site.

Register for the learning tour

This tour will provide an overview of the history of Black people in the Appalachia region; how they got there, what their contributions were, and how much of their history has been forgotten—including the history of Dr. Dismukes. It will also provide an overview of the work MCC is doing in McDowell County. The activities will include visiting historical sites, as well as participating in cultural and learning opportunities in the area.

Tentative Schedule

• September 23: Arrive in Kimball between 3-4 p.m.
  • orientation
  • Guest speaker Reverend Brad Davis: "When Coal was King"
• September 24: 
  • Forgotten Black History in Appalachia: Dr. Dismukes and Dr. Harrison Story
  • Walking tour of sites related to the Henrietta Dismukes Hospital
  • Tour of Tartt Farms
  • debrief/reflection 
  • Dismukes Planning Committee sharing about McDowell County
• September 25: 
  • Tour of Kimball African Americal WWI Museum
  • Lunch at Pinnacle Rock State Park
  • Pocahontas Coal Mine Exhibition Tour
  • Tour of the city of Bramwell, WV
  • Dinner at Latin Appalachia with sharing from Robert Diaz and family
  • Final reflections
• September 26: Clean-up and departure after breakfast

Image

Cost: $500

Includes:

• Meals
• Lodging
• All activities and programming costs

Participants will be responsible for their travel to and from site.

If you would like more information, please contact TylahCline@mcc.org or 606-634-4418 (select option 3).

If you are ready to register, please sign up here.
 

Sign up today