46 The Queens Courier • BLACK HISTORY • FEBRUARY 13, 2014 for breaking news visit www.queenscourier.com b b llaacckk hhiissttorroyy s Latimer House, museum for African-American inventor, rethinks museum concepts BY ERIC JANKIEWICZ [email protected] @EricJankiewicz Anarchy is the word of the day at the historic Latimer House in Flushing, where the African-American inventor Lewis H. Latimer lived in the early 20th century. “We’re embarking on an experiment here where we let people touch and interact with the historic displays. That’s why we’re calling it an experiment in anarchy,” said Monica M o n t g o m e r y , director of the historic house. “When people are being killed on our streets, we want people to come here and grieve and explore ideas for social justice. And celebrating Black History Month is a great way to begin that.” On Feb. 13, Parks Department officials and representatives of New York City’s historic houses met at the Latimer House to celebrate Black History Month and receive a check for $100,000 from the Historic House Trust, a public charity organization that runs a network of the 23 historic house museums across the city. The Latimer House will receive $5,000 from the check. Latimer lived in the Flushing house from 1903 until he died in 1928. The son of runaway slaves, Latimer is known for his work with Alexander Bell in creating the first practical telephone, and he is an inductee of the National Inventors Hall of Fame. “A lot of the remembrance during Black History Month surrounds this idea of oppression and negativity, but I want people to see that black people have invented things and contributed to our society,” Montgomery said. “So it’s very important for us to remember Lewis’ story as an inventor overcoming obstacles.” The Latimer House stands as a monument to Latimer’s work and many of his items, like a piano, are on display. Until recently, visitors were prohibited from touching historic items, much like at most museums. But the Historic House Trust, which provides funds to the house, decided to try a new model with the Latimer House by loosening the rules. “The project, Latimer Now, is meant to engage more with the community and become more than just a sleepy house with dusty items,” Montgomery said. “We want anarchy. So go ahead, play on Latimer’s piano, touch his tobacco pipe.” Frank Vagnone, executive director for the Historic House Trust, said that in the fall, they plan on publishing a book called “The Anarchist Guide Process” that will help museums become more engaging. “This house was a salon during Latimer’s lifetime,” Montgomery said. “And we’re bringing that back. We’ve started to have gatherings here where people discuss the problems of our times and try to figure out solutions. That’s Latimer’s legacy.” Lewis Latimer The historic Latimer House in Flushing. THE COURIER/Photos by Eric Jankiewicz Alfred Rankins stands next to a historical piano in Latimer House, which can now be played by visitors. Borough President Melinda Katz will host the borough’s annual Black History Month Celebration on Feb. 23, when she will recognize outstanding community members, leaders and organizations with awards for their contributions. Katz will aslo announce the recipients of scholarships for high school students headed on to college. The event will be held at York College. Those individuals and organizations that will be recognized as outstanding members of the community during the event are: Borough President’s Award Helen Diane Foster Commissioner, NYS Division of Human Rights. Education Award Dr. Selena Rodgers York College, professor and adviser to the Social Work Club. Youth & Leadership Award Diamond Craig Purposfully Pretty Sports Award Rosedale Jets Coach Jerwaine Gorman Journalism Award Karen Clements Clements Communications Inc. Civic Award Ramon Cameron Project Hope - The New Direction Youth & Leadership Award Diamond Craig Purposfully Pretty Arts & Culture Award Charles Lilly Artist & Teacher Lifetime Achievement Award Andrew Jackson Langston Hughes Library Business Award The Door Restaurant Christopher Roberts & Joan Lewis Youth & Leadership Award The Order of the Feather Fraternity Rodney Reid Arts & Culture Award K.E.Y.A. Dance Company Zakiya Kaalund Moreira Katz will also present African American Heritage scholarship awards to several students. The scholarship winners are: Anu Alalade of Queens Gateway Keli Almonte of Hillcrest H.S. Asoromchukwu Animalu of Francis Lewis H.S. Matthew Loyd of Thomas Edison CTE H.S. Asia Matthew of York College Academy Diamond Moody of Townsend Harris H.S. Azana Newman of Hillcrest H.S Mekai Ruddock of York College Academy
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