WHAT: AN AFTERNOON OF PRESENTATIONS ON THE MARTIN LUTHER KING HOLIDAY hosted by the Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation

 WHEN: MONDAY, JANUARY 16, 2017, 1:30-5:30pm

 WHERE: THE HISTORIC 1806 GLOUCESTER MEETINGHOUSE (Unitarian Universalist Church), corner of Church & Middle Street, accessible side entrance at 10 Church Street

 PROGRAM:

1:30 Mary Ellen Lepionka, Cape Ann Algonquians’ first encounter with Samuel de Champlain

2:30 Lise Breen, history of early African-Americans and slavery in Gloucester

3:30 GWC Fish Tales, first-hand stories about injustice and hope

4:30 Mayor Sefatia Romeo-Theken, summation on cultural diversity

5:00 Martin Luther King, Jr. delivers the ‘I Have a Dream Speech’ on the CAC&S big screen

5:30 Closing, tolling of the Meetinghouse Paul Revere bell for freedom

WHAT’S SPECIAL?  A rare opportunity to gather in community to celebrate the legacy of Dr. King, learn about past and present-day persons of diverse colors, cultures and identities on Cape Ann, and to rededicate ourselves to the American creed that all persons are created equal.

COST:  FREE with voluntary donations, all welcome.  Refreshments will be available.

 MORE INFORMATION:  www.gloucestermeetinghouse.org

ABOUT THE GMF:  The mission of the Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation is to preserve the 1806 landmark, Gloucester’s last-surviving historic Meetinghouse, as a civic hub, entertainment venue and community center. 

 RELATED MORNING EVENT:  The Unitarian Universalist Society of Rockport holds its annual Peace March commemorating the life of Martin Luther King, Jr. in which members and friends gather at 9:30 am for sign making, followed by a march through downtown Rockport at 10:00 am, and gather after the march for hot cider and goodies, followed by a short worship service.  For more information see:  http://rockportuu.org/