At the Harper Cabin at Brookside Nature Center, Heritage Days weekend spotlights the resilience and community of Montgomery County’s African American families during the Reconstruction Era. The centerpiece of this event is a historic hand-hewn log cabin, originally built in the 1870s by Thomas Harper, a formerly enslaved man, in the nearby historic Black community of Wheeler. Later moved to the nature center to ensure its preservation, the cabin stands today as a powerful educational portal to the past.
Unlike most county sites that open all weekend, this specific location hosts its celebration on Sunday afternoon only, turning the peaceful wooded grounds into a hub of art, music, and history.
Special Event Highlights
Post-Civil War Cabin Tours: Step inside the historic structure to see how a local African American family lived, worked, and thrived in Montgomery County during the late 19th century.
Live Acoustic Blues Music: Enjoy soulful, live acoustic blues performances out on the lawn, honoring the deep roots of African American musical heritage.
Spoken-Word Poetry: Listen to local artists deliver moving spoken-word poetry that reflects on themes of freedom, history, and community.
Family History Crafts: Children and families can participate in hands-on crafting activities designed to celebrate local history and help visitors explore their own family trees.
