Preserving Stories That Shaped Our Community
As part of its mission to preserve and uncover Bastrop County's African American history, BCAACC is documenting Freedom Colony stories before they are lost. In this interview, BCAACC member Gloria Rainwater speaks with Wanda Moore, who shares valuable memories and knowledge of the Longview, Salem, and Center Union Freedom Colonies. With the generations who personally knew Freedom Colony founders and their descendants rapidly passing, these oral histories, photographs, and documents are invaluable. The full interview is available for viewing by appointment only at the Bastrop County African American Cultural Center and Museum, 1303 Pine Street, Bastrop, Texas 78602. Call (512) 985-5241 or email info@bcaacc.org to schedule a visit.
Preserving Artifacts That Tell a Story
As part of its mission to preserve and uncover Bastrop County's African American history, BCAACC is preserving Freedom Colony artifacts from the Bastrop County, Texas area. These artifacts give visitors a rare glimpse into the daily lives of Freedom Colony residents. Shown is a cloth-covered Day Book. It was likely an account ledger, record book or merchantโs day book. Approximate date 1870-1900. Next to it is a pair of Iron Tongs used to lift blocks of ice. Before refrigerators were invented people kept their food cold with ice blocks that either came from an Ice Delivery man or an Ice House. Approximate date 1880-1920.
Preserving Local History
Featured Local History Book
Bastrop County's Freedom Colony history lives on through descendants who preserve and share their stories. One example is David Collins, Sr., whose pictorial history book chronicles the Freedom Colony families who established a community in Round Top, Texas. Visit the BCAACC Reading Room to explore more books by local authors and learn more about these important histories. Local history books are available for purchase. Proceeds benefit the museum and are not for private gain. The BCAACC does not sell or endorse commercial products.
Preserving Freedom Colony History with Exhibits
The BCAACC hosts exhibits year round that showcase Freedom Colony History. Someย recent exhibits include Quilt Displays, Mosaics Displays, Memory Jug Displays andย Freedom Colony Posters.
Spotlight - "History of the BCAACC"
โThe idea of a Bastrop County African American Cultural
Center (BCAACC) was envisioned by its founding Board of
Directors in 2019, just prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. To
create that vision the Board began documenting Bastrop
County's Freedom Colonies, identifying 13 of the area's
most significant historic communities, many of which were
connected to the founders through family ties. There are
numerous other Freedom Colonies that once existed
throughout Bastrop County whose history, unfortunately,
has quietly disappeared. The BCAACC was created to
document, preserve, interpret, and share this forgotten
and largely undocumented history.โ
Join Us in Preserving Living History
Preserving history requires community involvement, shared responsibility, and ongoing support. By becoming a member, you help sustain museum archives, educational programming, cultural celebrations, historical preservation efforts, and youth initiatives that honor the legacy of Bastrop County's Freedom Colonies.
Together, we can ensure that these stories continue to be preserved, celebrated, and shared with future generations.
Transform Shared Values into Local Impact
If you believe that every story deserves to be told and every ancestor deserves to be remembered, put your values into motion. Your donation provides the foundation needed to foster diversity, harmony, and historical truth in Bastrop County.