Tour of Bright April Exhibit
Germantown Historical Society
5501 Germantown Avenue
Tuesday, August 6
10:30 am
For Village members and their guests. Register here or call 267-444-4507
In 1946, Marguerite de Angeli, a Philadelphia author and illustrator, published Bright April. This groundbreaking book was the first mainstream children’s book about a Black child experiencing racial prejudice. In May, 2023, the Germantown Historical Society opened Inspiring Bright April: Race and Class in 1940’s Germantown, an exhibit about the book and its author.
Barbara Dowdall, one of the exhibit’s curators, said that de Angeli “first proposed writing about a Black child in 1940, but her publishing company thought that would be too controversial.” Barbara will lead our tour of the exhibit.
Becky Birtha, a poet and author of three children’s books, was struck by the way April’s parents explained prejudice to the nine-year-old girl. Birtha said the book’s discussions about race were considered quite radical. De Angeli interviewed a number of Black teachers and other professionals she met in Germantown, including Nellie Rathbone Bright, the principal of the segregated Joseph E. Hill School and a Black Girl Scout leader.
The exhibit’s introductory film includes an interview with Carla Hayden, Librarian of Congress, who said Bright April was her favorite book as a child and had inspired her passion for reading.
There are several steps into the building. If you need the handicapped ramp, email info@eastfallsvillage.org.
There is no admission fee but a contribution to the Historical Society would be welcomed.