Page 6 - Classically Carolina 2018

HISTORY

The African American

Cultural Center of Camden

Museum highlights history of African American community
A

A modest two-room, turn-of-the century house at 517 the White Sox and held an executive position with the
York St. is rich in history, and that wealth is now shared American League. In 1998, Doby was inducted into the
with visitors and the Camden community. The house National Baseball Hall of Fame. He died in 2003 at the
is home to The African American Cultural Center of age of 79.
Camden.
The next exhibit at the Cultural Center will open in
Built in c1910, this house once stood on lot 1072 at 420 September. The exhibit will focus on Camden’s Campbell
York Street. For many years, it was a home for both white Street Corridor.
and African American families.
The area around Campbell Street contains many homes
Operated under the auspices of the Camden Archives where prominent African Americans citizens lived and
and Museum, the Center is now home to two primary continue to live, along with other landmarks such as
exhibits each year. Cedars Cemetery, Collins Funeral Home and Boykin
Park. Campbell Street was also once home to Boylan-
The inaugural exhibit spotlights Camden native Larry Haven-Mather Academy, a prominent private African
Doby, the first African American player in the American American school, and the Jackson Schools, Camden’s
League. He joined the Cleveland Indians just 11 weeks first public school for African Americans.
after Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in the
National League. After his stint with the Indians, The African American Cultural Center of Camden is
Doby went on to play with the Chicago White Sox and open from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday
Detroit Tigers. After retirement, he was a manager with and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Admission is free.

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