Brothers and Sisters in Selma:
Vermont Catholic Activism in the Civil Rights Era.
Over 40 years ago, priests from the Society of St. Edmunds, largely against orders, traveled to Selma, Alabama to show solidarity with the civil rights movement.
Vermont Historical Society and St Michael’s College collaborated to present dramatic readings and a film to celebrate Martin Luther King Junior, and the Civil Rights Movement. Last spring, St. Michael’s College History Department Chair Susan Ouellette and Archivist Elizabeth Scott worked with students to process archives related to the priests’ trip to Selma. The students worked from the Society of St Edmunds’ archives, which reside at St. Michael’s College, and they subsequently traveled to Selma themselves, which made their research alive and real to them. This program presents their findings in the archives as well as a recounting of their trip.
VHS and St. Mikes Collaborate for Martin Luther King Jr. Day Programs
BARRE: Vermont Historical Society and St Michael’s College are collaborating to present dramatic readings and a film to celebrate Martin Luther King Junior, and the Civil Rights Movement.
“Brothers and Sisters in Selma: Vermont Catholic Activism in the Civil Rights Era,” is a dramatic reading of original writings chronicling the work of the Society of Saint Edmund brothers and the Sisters of Saint Joseph in Selma during the Civil Rights Era. Participants reading are Prof. Susan Ouellette (SMC), Archivist Elizabeth Scott (SMC), Mr. Michael Stefanowicz (SMC senior), Ms. Bridget Morse (SMC senior), and Erin Doyle (SMC senior).
The Society of St Edmunds’ archives reside at St. Michael’s College, including documents from the Civil Rights Era. History Department Chair Susan Ouellette and Archivist Elizabeth Scott worked with students to process archives related to the priests’ involvement in the Civil Rights Movement, particularly in Selma, Alabama. The students subsequently traveled to Selma and their experience helped to make their research alive and real to them. This program will present their findings in the archives as well as a recounting of their trip.
The first program is Monday, January 12 at 7PM at Hoehl Welcome Center, at St. Michael’s College, 1 Winooski Park, Colchester. The program will then be presented Monday, January 19, 12 noon, at the Vermont Historical Society in Barre, 60 Washington Street in Barre.
Also, in keeping with the celebration of Martin Luther King Junior, on Tuesday, January 13 at 4:15 PM, the film “The Sisters of Selma.“ will be shown at the Saint Michael’s Women’s Center, with discussion and refreshments to follow.
Sponsors are: Robin Lloyd, Kidney, Myer & Dewolfe.
The Vermont Historical Society is a nonprofit organization with offices in Barre and Montpelier, engaging both Vermonters and "Vermonters at heart" in the exploration of our state's rich heritage. Its purpose is to reach a broad audience through outstanding collections, statewide outreach, and dynamic programming. The Vermont Historical Society believes that an understanding of the past changes lives and builds better communities. For more information call 802-479-8500.
Programs:- Monday, Jan. 12, 7PM. Dramatic reading of Brothers and Sisters in Selma: Vermont Catholic Activism in the Civil Right Era. The Hoehl Welcome Center at St. Michael’s College, 1 Winooski Park, Colchester VT.
- Tuesday, January 13, 4:15PM . Showing of film: “The Sisters of Selma” at St. Michael's Women's Center, 1 Winooski Park, Colchester, VT.
- Monday, Jan. 19, 12PM. Dramatic reading of Brothers and Sisters in Selma: Vermont Catholic Activism in the Civil Right Era. The Vermont Historical Society, 60 Washington St., Barre, VT. Brothers and Sisters in Selma
