8/21/2017 | Bollinger Mill State Historic Site | Burfordville, MO
This program will feature stories about historic African Americans who were impacted by solar eclipses, such as Nat Turner. We will also discuss early African American astronomers, such as Benjamin Banneker, who successfully predicted a solar eclipse. Also learn about the role astronomy played in helping enslaved African Americans find their way north to freedom. Slavery in southeast Missouri will be discussed and we will find out if any enslaved people in the region "followed the Drinking Gourd" north to freedom.
Following the program, we will view the total solar eclipse in the east field. Please bring a pair of eclipse viewing glasses or eclipse viewer for safe viewing. Please bring a lawn chair for seating.
Program time: Noon - 1:30 p.m.
To learn more about the eclipse, click here. For a complete list of events in Missouri State Parks related to the eclipse, click here.
Associated activities
- Interpretive Programs