African American Historical Association of Western Maryland
A.A.H.A. seeks to preserve African-American history and heritage
KHS Presentation on Red Hill African American Church & Cemetery
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KHS Presentation on Red Hill African American Church & Cemetery
April 18, 2022 @ 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
A brief discussion of the history of Pleasant Hill A.M.E. Church & Cemetery on Red Hill Road, Keedysville, a project of the African American History Association of Western Maryland. With an update on the reclamation and continuing efforts to document the site and its former congregation and community, presented by Ron Lytle and Ted Ellis
During the mid-18th century, prior to and long after the American Civil War, the Keedysville area was home to a large and thriving rural African American community. Primarily centered around Red Hill mountain, in 1879 they built a church there which was active into the 1950’s. Services had been held there continuously by A.M.E. ministers in another structure since at least the 1840’s. Burials predate the 1879 church.
This community had many contrasts to the modern-day perception of African American life in the 1800’s. One being that many, perhaps most in the community were free people prior to Maryland’s 1864 abolition of the institution of slavery. More than “Black History” this is Local History.
Parking and entrance to the meeting room is at the back of the church. This meeting is open to the public. There will be light refreshments.