The Iowa Files: Buxton, A Black Utopia in Iowa?

Program Type:

Program, Performer

Age Group:

Adults
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Event Details

Sunday, February 16, 2020
Buxton, A Black Utopia in Iowa?
Presented by Rachelle Chase

Buxton was a small, unincorporated coal mining town bordering Mahaska and Monroe counties, was unusual for the 1900s in that African American and white residents lived and worked equally, side by side. With as many as 10,000 residents, it was the largest town in America where African-Americans were in the majority. Author Rachelle Chase listened to interviews of over 60 Buxton residents, combed through archives and documents to write her book, “Creating the Black Utopia of Buxton, Iowa.” Ms. Chase will share the stories she discovered and what the legacy of Buxton is today.

Free and open to the public thanks to the support of West Des Moines Historical Society Members, the West Des Moines Library Friends Foundation and the Iowa Arts Council.

The WDM Historical Society presents an Iowa history series at the WDM Public Library.  Ages 18 & up. No registration.

Sundays at 2:30 p.m.

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