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Discover Worcester County - Our African American Heritage

Worcester County has figured prominently in the development of the African-American presence on Maryland's Eastern Shore. The 1990 Census reveals that 21 percent of the county's population is of African-American descent. The early African-American pioneers of the mid 1600's are recognized as playing a pivotal role in establishing the cultural heritage and economic foundation of the county. The Comfort Powell House in the Berlin community of Germantown, is one of the oldest structures in the community. It stands next to the New Bethel Methodist Church, distinguished as one of the oldest black church memberships in Worcester County.

African American Experience

Comfort Powell House
(Gabe Purnell)

The history of the African-American experience in Worcester County consists of a complex fabric of written facts and oral traditions, as well as people of local, state and national prominence. Worcester County's African American community can point to a long and rich history of people, places and events that have helped shape the cultural traditions of the Delmarva peninsula. However, the full history of the African-American experience on the Eastern Shore has yet to be researched or written.

Didn’t It Rain: Civil War

Isaiah Fassett
(Courtesy David Briddell)

With its closeness to Virginia, the lower Eastern Shore population was bitterly divided on issues surrounding the Civil War. For most Southern sympathizers on the lower Shore, the federal recruitment of free blacks and fugitive slaves was an intolerable insult. It is estimated that 20 percent of Maryland's Union companies were composed of black soldiers.

Feel The Spirit: Churches

St. Martin's
Methodist Church
Showell

Worcester County has a strong history of resistance to slavery. Common to many places on the Eastern Shore, there are numerous claims by Worcester County homeowners as to their property being used as a stop along the "Underground Railroad." Several of the white churches, whether of Methodist, Episcopal, Baptist or Presbyterian faith, provided a slave gallery for a segregated worship service. The gallery at Beaver Dam Presbyterian Church south of the Pocomoke City and the gallery in St. Martin's Church have strong oral traditions as seating for African-Americans.

Go Down Moses: Free Blacks

A ship similar to
the Liberia Packet

Emerging as a new and significant part of the Worcester County populace during the first half of the 19th century were free blacks. Numbering only 446 in 1800, the population of free blacks had expanded to 3,500 by 1860.

Hold Your Light: Segregation

Henry Hotel

Schools and other public intstutions were once segregated like much of the rest of the conutry until the 1960's. Ocean City was strictly segregated as well during the early 20th century. Reserved periods, known as "Colored Excursion Days," were limited to days after the principal summer season.

I’m On My Way: Education

The Sturgis One Room School Musuem was restored and opened in downtown Pocomoke City in May 2000.

Earlier in this century, local African-American families raised their children within the segregated educational system established throughout the state. Representative of the dozens of facilities used by black children is the Sturgis One-Room School. (Opened as a museum in 2000 it is currently located on Willow Street in downtown Pocomoke City.) Dating around 1900, the weatherboard frame structure was used for elementary grades until the Stephen Long School in Pocomoke City opened in 1937. The school has been restored and welcomes visitors on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 1 -4 pm, May - October, and by appointment.

March On: Soldiers

Edward Johnson, Sr.

The 20th century brought much hope, but many difficulties remained for African-Americans on the Eastern Shore with continued segregation and outbreaks of racism. As in wars past, local black residents served bravely in World War I, World War II, as well as the Korean and Vietnam conflicts.

We Shall Overcome: Slavery

Former Slaves at Beverly
(John Value Dennis)

The lower Eastern Shore, initially laid out as Somerset County in 1666, was settled by a diverse group of immigrants that included free white and black planters, indentured white and black servants and slaves. The earliest free settlers, white and black, endured endless struggles under harsh conditions that included high rates of disease and early deaths.