by Margaret Hudgings

THE PROMISE of AMERICA: Our ROOTS and BRANCHES, p resented on July 2nd at Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center, was an inspiring celebration of American and West Chester history. Through visuals and spoken word, 30 presenters took the stage to express the indigenous worldview of honoring our connection to the land.

The Iroquois Thanksgiving Prayer for the Natural World, selections from the Declaration of Independence, the Gettysburg Address, the “I Have a Dream” speech, and other texts honored the rich and diverse legacy of the United States.

The Green Team event was unique in celebrating local residents’ contributions, including botanist Humphry Marshall, artist Mary Cassatt, “The Fighting Quaker” Smedley Darlington Butler, and Civil Rights icon Bayard Rustin. Rachel Carson, born in western Pennsylvania, was also honored for founding the environmental movement in the US.  

The event has been captured in a beautiful book that will be included in the Parks and Recreation Department’s “Time Capsule.”

The photo and name of each person who spoke a part is included, with the relevant quotes from historical figures.  This is a great memoir for yourself or to share in celebrating the 250^th Anniversary Celebration!

This beautiful locally-produced publication has saturated colors of each poster and a glossy cover front and back. If you had seen the hardback version, this softer version will also delight you!

It is also a guidebook for further endeavors. Right now, we have a limited quantity available at $35 each. To order, please email us here.