Romare Bearden children’s book reading at Sanderson

Posted by Press Release on September 25, 2013

The Christian C. Sanderson Museum in Chadds Ford will be hosting readings of the Romare Bearden children’s book “Li’l Dan, The Drummer Bo”y on Saturday, Sept. 28at 1 and 2:30 p.m. Also included in the event will be the chance for kids to make their own drum, just like the one in Bearden’s story. This reading and interactive project will be part of the museum’s three days of events marking the opening of their new Civil War exhibit, “History Made Personal: The Civil War”, Sept. 27, 28, and 29. These events also include an opening reception, and local author Bruce Mowday discussing Pickett’s Charge.

The Sanderson Museum presents "Li'l Dan, The Drummer Boy" by Romare Bearden.

Romare Bearden was an extremely influential African-American artist and writer who was a major figure in the art community in the 1960’s and 70’s. He was also awarded the National Medal of Arts in 1987. His work “Li’l Dan, The Drummer Boy” tells the story of a slave boy who loves to play his drum. In the book, Dan is freed by Union soldiers, whom he later saves with his drum after they are attacked by Confederate soldiers. This book was only discovered after Bearden’s death in 1988, and was the only children’s book Bearden ever wrote. The museum will present the book as a recorded reading by Maya Angelou. Afterwards, children will have fun making a replica of Li’l Dan’s drum that they can take home. Cost is $3 per child. “History Made Personal: The Civil War” will be on display at the Sanderson Museum through November 30.

The Sanderson Museum represents a man’s life and a nation’s history. It contains an eclectic array of art, military memorabilia, presidential artifacts, local history, and collectibles. Open March through November, Thursday through Sunday, 12pm to 4pm or by appointment. Visit the museum at 1755 Creek Road (old Route 100), Chadds Ford, just north of Route 1. Admission to the museum is $5 and free for members and children under 12 accompanied by an adult. For more information, call the museum at 610-388-6545 or go to the website at www.sandersonmuseum.org.