African American
African American Gallery
Dr. Herbert Jackson Father of the Year and daughter Kelli
Mrs. Beatrice Taylor Woman of the Year Honoree
April through June 2013 "Tribute to Early Black Healthcare Providers"
Museum open Sundays 2-4 p.m.
Admission: $10 family, $5 individual, $3 student
Preregister other days by calling the museum at 815 962-7402
Sun., June 23, 2013 Dr. Herbert Jackson will be honored as 2013 Father of the Year.
Admission is free for this special occasion, but donations are appreciated. Dr. Jackson practiced Podiatry and performed surgery in Rockford for 38 years. He is a member of the American Society of Podiatric Medicine, the National Society of Podiatric Medicine as well as the Illinois Society. Dr. Jackson and Dr. Jeffery Ish shared a partnership for a good many years. Although born in Chicago and growing up there, he considers Rockford very much his home. Dr. Jackson held early jobs as a teacher in Chicago and other positions with the Chicago Tribune and Deputy with the Cook County Sheriff Dept. He was drafted in the army in 1951 and served 3 years in the Korean Conflict. Dr. Jackson and his wife Edna (Counts) have been married for 54 years and have two grown-up children Christopher and Kelli Jackson. Visitors see memorabilia for Dr. Jackson as well as other local healthcare providers in this gallery exhibit.
Sun., April 14, 2013, 2-4 p.m. Beatrice Taylor 2013 Woman in History Celebration
This gallery celebrates the 108th birthday of its African American honoree, Mrs. Beatrice Taylor.
Beatrice moved to Rockford in the 1940's shortly after the passing of her husband.
She later married "Daddy Tom" Taylor and they both worked for the Todd family, former owners of the RRStar.
Beatrice has been a proud member of Pilgrim Baptist Church and served as President of the Debrans Auxillary.
She is also past Worthy Matron of the Order of The Eastern Star Princess Zora Chapter 20 and now a lifetime member.
Beatrice founded "The Afteroon Art Club" a women's group that met weekly to make quilts, knit and crochet.
This group gave back to the Rockford Community and Beatrice was a member for over 25 years.
Stop by for this special event to meet Beatrice and listen to her recall remarkable stories.
