Since its colonial founding in the 1760's Fell's Point as Baltimore's first deep water port has been home to a diverse population including both free and enslaved blacks who found employment in the thriving maritime industries that made the city an international shipping destination. To commemorate the 220th Anniversary of the incorporation of Fell's Point with its adjacent colonial neighbors of Jones Town & Baltimore Town into Baltimore City, the Preservation Society presented a lecture series with four speakers who highlighted the history of the African-American Community, its contributions in defining its place in the development of Fell's Point as the port of Baltimore and its associations with the historic row of 18th century timber framed houses on S. Wolfe St.
Bryan Blundell of Dell Corporation spoke on the construction of the South Wolfe Street houses in 1797 and their role in providing housing and opportunities for African-American ship caulkers.
Bernie Herman speaking about the South Wolfe Street houses, their place in society, not only in Fell's Point, but also in the larger context of the Mid-Atlantic and Europe.
Ed Papenfuse speaking in depth on the history of the African-American Community in Fell's Point from the 18th Century to the Civil War.
Dr. Ira Berlin, Professor, University of Maryland, a Frederick Douglass scholar, speaking on Douglass' life during his early years in Fell's Point.
