The Stone Fort Museum at Stephen F. Austin State University will host a
book signing and reception from 3 to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 24 for author,
Jeri Mills to celebrate the release of her book, African Americans in Nacogdoches County
A retired educator and contributing writer for The Daily Sentinel, Mills will
share images from her book and describe process of collecting
community history. Copies of her book will be available for purchase in
the Museum Store for $21.99 each.
After the Civil War and the end of slavery, African Americans all over the
United States faced the challenge of survival while attempting to
repurpose their lives. Through the images in this book, readers will get a
glimpse of the unique culture that developed in the small African
American communities in Nacogdoches County. Sections highlight
occupations, religion, education, social opportunities and prominent
families during the growth of African American society. Part of "The
Images of America" series, the book uses archival photos to explore the
distinctive local history of our area, striving to make history available and
accessible.
Author Jeri Mills attended Texas College in Tyler, Texas and received her bachelor of science degree
from Jarvis Christian College in Hawkins, Texas, and master's degree from Georgia State University
in Atlanta, Georgia. An active researcher and writer on African American history, her works have
been published in local schools, state, and national publications.
The Stone Fort Museum is a regional history museum located on the campus of Stephen F. Austin
State University in Nacogdoches, Texas. Museum exhibits interpret the natural and cultural history of
the region. The current exhibit, "Misery & Remedy: the Rise and Eradication of Epidemic Diseases in
East Texas," will be open through December 2015.
For more information or museum hours, call (936) 468-2408, email stonefort@sfasu.eduor visit
www.sfasu.edu/stonefort.
