Iowa's Black History

Iowa history is Black history! Did you know Iowa was the first state to integrate its public school system (1868)? Or that Burlington, Iowa's first territorial capitol, was the site of the first court cases for Freedom Seekers - enslaved Americans fighting for their freedom - in Iowa (1839)? Or that the woman thought to be the very first enslaved person to gain her freedom through Iowa courts (Rachel Bundy) is buried at Burlington's Aspen Grove Cemetery? Discover Iowa's fascinating Black history as Burlington Public Library hosts the African American Museum of Iowa for the first First Friday of Black History Month! The program is free and open to the public; all are welcome. For more information, visit: burlington.lib.ia.us