August 24, 2024 – Day of Unity and Healing this year will focus on Descendants, historic sites, and communities working together to preserve and interpret our history transparently. We will have a variety of organizations present to increase awareness that in order to have a shared success we must learn from each other and work together for a shared success. Each year, the vision of Day of Unity and Healing is different because the needs are constantly changing. In order to heal we must have a conversation and share. Join us to experience history through different eyes this year. One of the first steps to healing is understanding the truth about our history and building bridges of understanding to move forward and create a better community and country.

“It starts with every individual being open to listening and learning. We can’t change our history, but we can reflect, learn, and heal to build a better tomorrow.”
– Gwen Bankins and Jan Briscoe Descendants, Board Trustee Historic Sotterley

This event is FREE. Registration is encouraged, but not required.

Register here

Please note that the schedule below is still in development and may change slightly as we get closer to the event.

9:00 am

• Historic Farm Wagon Tour (Reservation only, reservations coming soon)
• Regional Historic sites Barn Displays
• Historical Documentary Quilt Displays
• Open House Tours

10:05 – 11:05 am Opening Ceremony with guest speakers

11:15 – 11:35 am Middle Passage Marker Unveiling

11:45 am– 12:30 pm Dedication of Sacred Space

12:30 – 2:45 pm

• Sotterley Descendants Portrait Project unveiling
• Regional Historic sites Barn Displays
• Historical Documentary Quilt Displays
• Open House Tours
• Blacksmith demonstrations
• Meet the authors and book signings
• Holistic Health screenings and events
• Uncovering History: Archeological updates : Historic St. Mary’s City and Historic Sotterley
• Historic Farm Wagon Tour (First come, first serve)

3:00 pm Living History : Underground Railroad Month Kick Off

3:30 – 4:30 pm Music