By Kathy Collins
The art exhibit at the Bruton Memorial Library for the month of February is a continuing celebration of Black History Month. Information and artifacts from the historic Glover School located in Bealsville and artifacts and photos from the Plant City Bing Rooming House Museum can be viewed.
According to Administrative and Services Assistant for the Bruton Memorial Library Chad Loving, “The items from the Bing Rooming House and the Glover School are on display during the months of January and February to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday and Black History Month, as well as raise awareness of the existence of these historical sites right here in our own city.”
Loving added, “These displays provide an opportunity for the residents of Plant City and surrounding areas to familiarize themselves with aspects of our collective history that they might not know. The Glover School and the Bing Rooming House are historic landmarks for a reason; not only did significant events occur at these places, but these sites allow us to witness history from a perspective other than our own. The history of our community is more than our individual histories; the more we learn about the past of our community, the better we can shape its future.”
The exhibit is located within the library and can be seen during the normal operating hours of the library.
The community of Bealsville was settled by freed slaves in 1865. It is an area of unincorporated Hillsborough County located between Plant City and Lithia near the intersection of Horton Road and S.R. 60.
The Glover School (originally called Jamison School) was established in 1873. The school survived turbulent times including the Great Depression, segregation and several world wars. The school closed in 1980. Today, the Historic Glover School Campus is listed on the U.S. National Registry of Historic Places.
The Bruton Memorial Library is located at 302 McLendon St. in Plant City. Visit www.plantcitygov.com; www.bealsville.com; and www.plantcitybinghouse.com. Call 757-9215.
