Children’s Story Time Featuring “A Long Way to Find a Home” at the Vernon County Museum
The Vernon County Museum and History Center in Viroqua is set to host a children’s storytime event on Saturday, July 26, at 10 a.m. This engaging program will feature Torrence Chester, a representative of the Enduring Families Project, who will read a chapter from the newly published book, “A Long Way to Find a Home: George Edwin Taylor as a Child.”
The Enduring Families Project, headquartered in La Crosse, is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of African American history within the Coulee Region. It began several years ago with an initiative to develop public theater based on narratives from early African American settlers in La Crosse County and the surrounding Cheyenne Valley in Vernon County. By focusing on children’s literature, the project aims to educate and enlighten younger generations about these often underrepresented stories.
Torrence Chester is not only an avid storyteller but also one of the key performers in the Enduring Families Project. The book that will be showcased during the event is written by another notable performer, Darrell Ferguson. “A Long Way to Find a Home” tells the poignant story of a young boy named George who faced extraordinary challenges during the 1800s. Abandoned and left to survive on his own at a wharf in Illinois for three years, he eventually made his way to La Crosse, where he was adopted by a Black family residing in West Salem. As an adult, George Edwin Taylor made history by becoming the first African American to run for the presidency in 1904.
This storytime event is an excellent opportunity for children and families to engage with a crucial part of American history while fostering a love for reading. Attendees will receive complimentary coloring books featuring illustrations from Taylor’s story and will have the chance to purchase the narrative book as well.
For a deeper dive into the mission and activities of the Enduring Families Project, interested individuals can visit their official website at efpcs.org. This initiative not only commemorates the legacy of pioneers like George Edwin Taylor but also educates and inspires the community about the rich tapestry of African American history that has shaped the region’s cultural landscape.
