Culture & Cocktails: Tolson’s Chapel and Freedmen’s Bureau School

On Friday, February 14, join Bridgett Jones Smith from the Friends of Tolson's Chapel to learn about Tolson's Chapel, a historic church and Freedmen's Bureau school that was funded by Sharpsburg's local African American community, now a National Historic Landmark.

The construction of Tolson’s Chapel was the result of the determination and collaboration between the free and formerly enslaved community of Black Americans who lived in and around the town of Sharpsburg, Washington County, MD. This presentation will explore the efforts of Tolson’s parishioners and supporters as well as the impact of the church and subsequent school. Bridgett Jones Smith will delve into the lives of several individuals who attended the church and school.

This month's cocktail will feature Uncle Nearest whiskey, a whiskey with an interesting history! Doors open at 5:30 PM and light hors d'oeuvres will be served!

Culture & Cocktails 2025 has been made possible by the generous support of the James and Mary Schurz Foundation.

Host or Publisher Washington County Historical Society