Charles Daggs: From Enslavement to Community Leadership in Hammond, Louisiana

Charles Daggs Headstone

Charles Daggs stands as one of the important early African American pioneers in Hammond, Louisiana, a man whose life spanned slavery, the Civil War, emancipation, Reconstruction, and the establishment of one of Hammond's oldest African American institutions.

Daggs was born in the Washington, D.C., area in the early nineteenth century, although his exact birth year remains uncertain. Sources place his birth between approximately 1809 and 1814. A later account of his death reported that he was 99 years, four months, and 18 days old when he died in Hammond on January 26, 1909. That calculation would place his birth around September 1809. However, the 1835 slave manifest reportedly recorded Charles as 21 years old, suggesting a birth around 1814. Because these records conflict, additional primary documentation is needed to establish his exact date of birth.

One of the most significant discoveries in Daggs's history is the record documenting his forced migration as a enslaved man from the Washington, D.C., region to Louisiana. In 1835, Charles  along with his mother, Rachel Daggs, and other members of his family aboard the Tribune, a vessel transporting enslaved people from Alexandria, District of Columbia, to New Orleans. The vessel arrived in New Orleans on October 1, 1835. The surviving account identifies Rachel as approximately 35 years old and lists Charles among her children. The shipment was associated with John Armfield and the individuals identified in the record as Brandon, McKenna, and Wright. He was sold to Louisiana Governor Henry Johnson to finanically support the building of Georgetown University. The Maryland Jesuits sold 300 enslaved individuals including members of the Daggs family. 

Carter LaCoste attended the unveiling.

The documentation connecting Charles to the "Tribune" is particularly significant because it provides a rare and powerful link between an individual who later became a respected community leader who endure the  domestic slave trade.  His story therefore does not begin with freedom; it begins with a forced journey whose surviving documentation allows his family history to be traced across generations and geographic boundaries.

During the Civil War, Charles Daggs's life took another dramatic turn. He served the Union cause in the United States Navy.  His service placed him on the Union side during a conflict that ultimately destroyed the institution of slavery. A 1909 notice published after his death specifically remembered Daggs as a man who had served aboard the Scioto. His transition from an enslaved man to a Union Navy veteran represents one of the most remarkable transformations in his life. The war fundamentally altered the legal and political circumstances of millions of African Americans, and Daggs became part of the generation of formerly enslaved people who helped build new communities after emancipation.

Following the Civil War, Daggs lived and worked in Louisiana. His name appears in the John W. Gurley Papers preserved by LSU Libraries. Documents from 1865 and 1866 identify him as a tenant farmer and preserve correspondence concerning charcoal production, farming, timber, livestock, clothing, rations, commodities, and wages for freedpeople. These records provide an important glimpse into Daggs's life during the difficult transition from slavery to freedom.

In 1867, Charles Daggs organized what became Greater St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church in Hammond. The church became one of the earliest African American religious institutions in the community and an important center of worship, fellowship, leadership, and community life. The Louisiana State Historic Preservation review recognizes 1867 as the year the church was established by Daggs, a newly freed man.

Mt. Canaan Missionary Baptist Church "City of Refuge" received books

Donated by Rwc. Curry

A couple of weeks ago, RWC Curry once again donated books for me to distribute to children in our community. I never turn down educational resources and materials because there is always a need, and I believe every child deserves access to books and opportunities to learn.

After researching the rich history of Mt. Canaan School in Arcola, Louisiana, I contacted Pastor John Smith of Mt. Canaan “City of Refuge” to ask if the youth of the church could use the books. He quickly responded, “Yes!” We are grateful for the opportunity to add these books to the educational resources available to the children.

What really came to mind was the history of Mt. Canaan School. The school once stood near the church premises and was part of the educational story of African American children during segregation. What a meaningful way to honor the memory and legacy of that school, by placing books into the hands of today’s children. I was watching a teacher named Darius William cry after learning that many High School seniors couldn't read. He asked the question as to how did we get here and what is the solution? Mt. Canaan, is making an effort to be a part of the solution. At one time Mt. Canaan School was a Rosenwald School. The school was the foundation of basic reading, writing, and arithmetic.  As well as character building. 

Books donated by Rwc Curry

These books are more than educational materials. They represent opportunity, knowledge, and the continuation of an educational legacy that began generations ago. Thank you, RWC Curry, for continuing to donate books and helping us put resources where they are truly needed. And thank you to Mt. Canaan “City of Refuge” for welcoming this contribution for your youth. We honor the past by investing in the future.

If anyone has educational materials, laptops or computers, art supplies, recreational materials, books, or other resources that could benefit our youth, please consider donating.Mt. Canaan “City of Refuge” will gladly accept these generous educational gifts to help provide our children with the resources they need to learn, grow, create, and succeed. Every donation, big or small, can make a difference and help us build a brighter future for our youth.

If you would like to contribute, please contact me via email at antoinetteharrell14@gmail.com.  Together, we can continue to honor the educational legacy of Mt. Canaan by investing in the next generation

Connecting Through History: The Vernon Family Discovering Legacy in the Archives

Left to Right: Dr. Antoinette Harrell, Dr. Portia Preston
Charlene Kelly-Shockley, Back Row: Sonora Kelly and
 Glyniss Vernon Gordon at the Center for Southeast
Louisiana Studies. 

Several descendants of "Free Bob" recently visited the Center for Southeast Louisiana Studies to examine the records in the Mount Canaan Missionary Baptist Church Collection. The joy on their faces was unmistakable as they explored the documents, uncovering pieces of their family's history.

Two generations sat across from one another, carefully analyzing the collection together. At times, Sonora Kelly's mother, Charlene Kelly-Shockley, shed tears of happiness as she saw that the history of her Vernon ancestors had been preserved and documented for future generations.

Family members spent time studying historical records and treasured photographs, connecting names and faces to stories that had been passed down through the years. Dr. Porta Preston was especially delighted to discover a photograph of her grandmother in the collection, making the experience deeply personal and memorable for everyone present. Everyone walked out of the building with such joy, just knowing that their history had been documented and share for future studies 

Mt. Canaan Missionary Baptist Church at Tangipahoa Tourism

John "Tree" Smith
Pastor of Mt. Canaan
Photo Credit: Dr. Antoinette Harrell

Today, we proudly placed the Mt. Canaan Missionary Baptist Church and Robert "Free Bob" Louis Vernon, Jr. historical brochure at the Tangipahoa Parish Convention & Visitors Bureau (Tangipahoa Tourism), making this important piece of local history available to visitors from across the region.

Pastor John "Tree" Smith of Mt. Canaan Missionary Baptist Church was honored to see the church's history represented in a way that invites tourists and community members alike to discover its remarkable legacy. The brochure highlights the story of a church that has faithfully served the community for more than 157 years, as well as the extraordinary life of Robert "Free Bob" Louis Vernon, Jr., whose vision and generosity helped establish the church, school, and cemetery. By placing these brochures at Tangipahoa Tourism, we hope to encourage travelers, researchers, students, and local residents to explore this rich history and visit the historical marker. Preserving and sharing our stories ensures that the legacy of those who came before us will continue to educate and inspire future generations. 

The rich history found across the railroad tracks in Arcola, Louisiana, holds an important piece of the puzzle in understanding the history of Tangipahoa Parish. It was here, during the Reconstruction Era, that formerly enslaved men and women began building new lives grounded in faith, education, landownership, and community.

Among Reconstruction's most enduring legacies is Mt. Canaan Missionary Baptist Church, established in 1869, the same year Tangipahoa Parish was created. On March 6, 1869, the Louisiana Legislature formed Tangipahoa Parish from portions of Livingston, St. Helena, Washington, and St. Tammany Parishes, creating a new parish during one of the most transformative periods in American history.

Glyniss Vernon Gordon
5th Great-Granddaughter of
 "Free Bob"
Photo Credit: Dr. Antoinette Harrell

The story of Mt. Canaan is inseparable from the story of Tangipahoa Parish itself. As the new parish emerged, African American communities were laying their own foundations for the future. Churches such as Mt. Canaan became more than places of worship, they served as schools, meeting places, centers of civic leadership, and symbols of hope. The land donated by Robert "Free Bob" Louis Vernon, Jr. provided a place where generations could worship, receive an education, and be buried with dignity. That is exactly what Free Bob has in mind for his family and community. Today that gift keep on giving and that what's important. 

To truly understand the history of Tangipahoa Parish, one must look beyond political boundaries and official records to the communities that shaped its character. Across the railroad tracks in Arcola stands a living testament to Reconstruction a place where faith, freedom, education, and perseverance came together to build a lasting legacy. The history of Mt. Canaan Missionary Baptist Church is not simply the history of one congregation; it is a vital chapter in the history of Tangipahoa Parish and the African American experience in Louisiana.

Mt. Canaan School, Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana was a Rosenwald School

Mt. Canaan Rosenwald School
Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana

While researching the history of Mt. Canaan Missionary Baptist Church and the Mt. Canaan School, I received a text message from Candice Picard, Executive Director of the Tangipahoa Historical Society. She asked if I was aware that Mt. Canaan had been a Rosenwald School. I replied that I was familiar with the Mt. Canaan School, but I had not known it was part of the Rosenwald School program. That question immediately sparked my curiosity.

I began searching the Rosenwald School Database at Fisk University and was thrilled to discover a historic photograph of the Mt. Canaan School, dated 1938. Finding this image confirmed the school's place within the Rosenwald School movement and added another important chapter to the rich history of Mt. Canaan and the surrounding community. Moments like these remind us that history is often uncovered one question at a time. A simple conversation can lead to remarkable discoveries that help preserve the stories of our communities for future generations.

Hidden within the rich history of Tangipahoa Parish is the story of Mt. Canaan School, an institution that represented hope, opportunity, and determination during the era of segregation. A photograph preserved in the Rosenwald Fund Collection at Fisk University's John Hope and Aurelia E. Franklin Library documents the school and identifies it as being located in Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana. The archival record dates the image between 1917 and 1938, preserving an important chapter in the history of African American education.

Mt. Canaan School was one of the many Rosenwald Schools established throughout the South during the early twentieth century. These schools were the result of a remarkable partnership between educator Booker T. Washington, philanthropist Julius Rosenwald, local African American communities, and public school systems. Together, they helped construct thousands of schools that provided educational opportunities for Black children who had long been denied equal access to quality education under segregation.

Like many Rosenwald schools, Mt. Canaan School stood as more than a place of learning. It was a community institution where children gained the knowledge and skills that would prepare them for future generations of leadership and service. Families often contributed labor, donated materials, and raised money to help build and maintain these schools, making them powerful symbols of community pride, sacrifice, and self-determination.

For the Mt. Canaan community, education was deeply connected to the church and the values of faith, perseverance, and collective responsibility. The school helped educate generations of African American children in the Arcola community and surrounding areas, creating opportunities that many families had never before experienced.

Today, surviving photographs such as the one preserved by Fisk University remind us that these buildings were more than wooden structures, they were places where dreams were nurtured despite the barriers of Jim Crow. Every image, every document, and every oral history helps preserve the legacy of the teachers, parents, and students who believed education could transform lives.

As a genealogist, I believe it is our responsibility to continue documenting schools like Mt. Canaan so their stories are never forgotten. Their history is not simply about a building; it is about a community that invested in its children and refused to let the promise of education be denied.

Source: Rosenwald Fund Collection, John Hope and Aurelia E. Franklin Library, Fisk University. Mt. Canaan School, Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana. Photograph dated 1917–1938.

Untold History Foundation Expands African American Archival Legacy

Untold History Foundation, LLC. is proud to announce the donation of two additional African American collectionsto the Center for Southeast Louisiana Studies at Southeastern Louisiana University. These collections are rich with historic photographs, documents, funeral programs, church programs, and other archival materials that preserve the history and legacy of African American communities in Tangipahoa and St. Helena Parishes.

The newly established collections are:

• Mt. Canaan Missionary Baptist Church & Robert "Free Bob" Louis Vernon, Jr. Collection
• Grant Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church Collection

With the addition of these two collections, the Untold History Foundation has now established seven archival collections at the Center for Southeast Louisiana Studies.

These collections provide invaluable resources for genealogists, historians, scholars, students, and researchers seeking to better understand the African American experience in Tangipahoa and St. Helena Parishes, Louisiana. They preserve family histories, church records, community photographs, and other rare historical materials that might otherwise be lost.

Researchers can explore the online index for each collection by visiting the Center for Southeast Louisiana Studies website, where the collections are available to
assist anyone interested in African American genealogy, local history, and community research.

Hidden Treasures of History: One Baptism Certificate, One Family Story

Certificate of Baptism

Courtesy of Dennis James

For more than three decades, I have dedicated my life to researching and documenting the genealogical and local history of Louisiana's Florida Parishes. The history of older churches, African American schools before integration, Black cowboys, and Negro baseball teams has long been the focus of my work. While these stories are deeply woven into the fabric of our communities, uncovering them is rarely an easy task. For one thing no one want to depart with their treasures. Today we use portable scanners and even our phones to take photographs of the materials, ensuring that the orginals never leave the person care and home. 

Historical records, photographs, church documents, and family papers are often scattered, forgotten, or lost over time. Many of the most valuable pieces of our history never made it into an archive or library. Instead, they remain tucked away in dresser drawers, old trunks, family Bibles, and boxes stored in people's homes. These personal collections are priceless treasures that help tell the stories of our ancestors, events and communities.  Mt. Canaan Missionary Baptist Church was organized in 1869. The church was ninety-eight years old at the time of Dennis was baptized. 

The greatest challenge is not simply locating these records, it is finding people who are willing to share them.That is why I was especially grateful when lifelong Mt. Canaan Missionary Baptist Church member Dennis James entrusted me with an original copy of his baptism certificate. His willingness to preserve and share this document ensures that an important piece of the church's history will not be lost to future generations.

The certificate records that Dennis James was baptized in 1967 by the Rev. R. L. Primus. Serving as witnesses were Fairy Dean Hannibal, Allie Ruth Leonard, and Jamie Dillon. The document also identifies his parents, Wallace and Rosa Anderson, preserving another important genealogical connection for the family and the church. At that time they were still baptizing in the Amite River. 

To many people, a baptism certificate may appear to be a simple religious document. To a genealogist and local historian, however, it is far more than that. It is a historical record that documents family relationships, church leadership, community members, and significant life events. These records often provide information that cannot be found in census records, vital records, or courthouse documents.

Every photograph, church program, funeral bulletin, handwritten letter, membership roll, and baptism certificate has the potential to fill gaps in our history. Collectively, these records tell the story of a people whose experiences have too often gone undocumented or overlooked.

I am sincerely thankful to Dennis James for recognizing the importance of preserving his family's history and for trusting me with this remarkable document. His generosity serves as a reminder that preserving our history is a community effort. Each person who shares a document, photograph, or family story helps ensure that the legacy of our ancestors will be remembered, documented, and passed on to future generations.

History lives in the homes of our elders. We simply have to ask, listen, and preserve it before it is gone forever.

The Roots of Excellence: How Effie Jane Gordon Yancy Inspired Generations

Effie Jane Gordon Yancy
1888-1971
Photocourtesy of ancestry

Local history is often found in the genealogy of the people who call, or once called, a place home. Every family story is woven into the larger history of the community, connecting one's genealogy to another across generations. My interest in the local history of the Louisiana Florida Parishes is deeply rooted in my own DNA and family heritage. Through genealogy, I have come to understand that no family's history stands alone. Each lineage intersects with others, creating the rich historical tapestry of the communities they helped build.That truth became even more evident as I assisted Dr. Saundra Yancy McGuire in tracing her roots in St. Helena Parish, Louisiana, particularly the story of her maternal grandmother, Effie Jane Gordon. 

As we uncovered records and pieced together generations of family history, the genealogical evidence consistently affirmed the oral history Dr. McGuire shared with me. Effie Jane Gordon was born in 1888 in St. Helena Parish, Louisiana, during a pivotal period in American history as the region continued to recover from the Civil War and Reconstruction. She was the daughter of Ike Gordon and Malissa Tucker Gordon and represented the first generation of her family born into freedom. Although born in an

Effie Jane Gordon & Ike Gordon
Marriage Records
St. Helena Parish Clerk's Office

era of limited opportunities for African Americans, Effie refused to allow those barriers to define her future or the future of her children. She understood that education was the key to advancement, and she made it her life's mission to ensure that every one of her children received an education. That unwavering commitment became the cornerstone of the Yancy family's legacy and established a tradition of scholarship, service, and leadership that continues to inspire future generations.

According to Dr. McGuire, her grandmother, Effie Jane Gordon, was determined that each of her children would receive an education. That commitment became the cornerstone of the Yancy family's legacy. Effie and her husband, Robert Ernest  Yancy, Jr., were regarded as respected members of their community and would have been considered among its upper-class African American families. Education, community involvement, faith, and service formed the foundation upon which the Yancy family was built.

Dr. McGuire attributes her family's strong educational tradition to her grandmother, whom she described as a woman of character, vision, and determination. Effie Jane Gordon not only instilled the importance of education in her children but also lived those values herself. She served as an educator in the St. Helena Parish School System, demonstrating through both her profession and her example that education was the pathway to opportunity and advancement.

One of the most rewarding aspects of genealogy is witnessing oral history validated by historical records. In the case of the Yancy family, documents and oral traditions worked together to tell a story of perseverance, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to education. It is through stories like these that we gain a deeper understanding of the families who helped shape the history of St. Helena Parish and the Florida Parishes.

Effie Jane Gordon's life and legacy immediately intrigued me and inspired me to learn more about the remarkable woman who shaped generations of the Yancy family. I already knew her granddaughter, Dr. Saundra Yancy McGuire, as an internationally recognized educator, author, and retired Assistant Vice Chancellor and Professor of Chemistry at Louisiana State University. Dr. McGuire is the Director Emerita of LSU's Center for Academic Success and is widely respected for her groundbreaking work in metacognitive learning strategies, helping students around the world transform the way they learn. Her bestselling books and presentations have influenced educators and students across the United States and internationally.

As I came to know Dr. McGuire through our genealogical journey, I wanted to understand the woman who had laid the foundation for such an extraordinary life. It became increasingly clear that the values Dr. McGuire embodies her commitment to education, excellence, service, and mentoring others  did not begin in a university classroom. They were first nurtured in the home of her grandmother, Effie Jane Gordon. Through oral history, family memories, and historical records, I discovered that Effie's influence extended far beyond her own generation. Her unwavering belief in education created a family legacy that continues to impact lives today, proving that the lessons taught by one determined woman can echo across generations.

Dr. Saundra Yancy McGuire
The Chaneyville High School Alumni Association
Hall of Fame Proudly Inducts  Unto Robert Yancy.
Dr. Saundra Yancy McGuire is the daughter of Robert Yancy.
Photo Credit: Dr. Antoinette Harrell

 

Small Hands, Big Hearts: Mt. Canaan VBS Campers Brighten Lives at Tangi Pines

Ana receiving the cards
Photo Credit:
Dr. Antoinette Harrell

Mt. Canaan Missionary Baptist Church "City of Refuge" Vacation Bible School campers put smiles on the faces of the residents at Tangi Pines Nursing Home. Their beautiful, colorful artwork brightened the residents' day, and many of the handmade cards included heartfelt words of encouragement.

Some of the campers may have grandparents or great-grandparents who reside in nursing home facilities, making this act of kindness even more meaningful. Through this simple yet powerful project, the campers learned the importance of showing compassion, thinking of others, and reaching out to those who may feel forgotten.

It was a wonderful lesson, one that extended far beyond arts and crafts. Caring for others in the midst of life's circumstances and chaos is a lifelong lesson. Acts of kindness, no matter how small, have the power to bring hope, encouragement, and a smile to someone's heart. Those are lessons these campers will carry with them for years to come.

Every Record Has a Story: A Genealogical Journey with Dr. Saundra Yancy McGuire

Dr. Saundra Yancy McGuire
Photo Credit: Dr. Antoinette Harrell

During our first conversation, I learned that her family has deep historical connections to St. Helena Parish, Louisiana, and Amite County, Mississippi.  The same parish my, Wicker, Burton, Richardson, Vining, and Harrell families connected to.  She shared that her primary family surnames are Gordon and Yancy, two families whose roots run deep in the history of both communities. 

As a genealogist, I often tell people that understanding the history of a place is just as important as understanding the history of a family. The two are intertwined. Communities shape families, and families help shape communities. 

St. Helena Parish was established on October 27, 1810, making it one of Louisiana's oldest parishes and one of the original Florida Parishes. At that time, Louisiana had not yet become a state. In fact, statehood would not come until 1812. The creation of St. Helena Parish followed the West Florida Rebellion, when the region transitioned from Spanish rule to becoming part of the United States.

Her 3rd Great Great maternal ancestor were enslaved on the Gordon  Plantation. His life would eventually lead us to a much larger story about slavery, family, survival, and freedom. But it wasn't time to take her there just yet. That is a journey deserving of its own blog post. Stay tune and follow us on this beautiful and powerful genealogy adventure. 

Dr. Saundra Yancy McGuire
St. Helena Parish Clerk's Office 

As our research unfolded, it became clear that this would be more than a search for names and dates. It would become a journey through generations of family, community, resilience, and history, one that would uncover records, stories, and connections that had been waiting to be rediscovered. 

One of the things I appreciate most about the St. Helena Parish Clerk's Office is its commitment to preserving these historic records and the friendly and helpful staff.  They will guide you to the records like a tour guide at a museum. Walking into the records vault is like stepping back in time. Shelves lined with original record books and files have been carefully maintained for generations. Many of the documents I use today are the very same records created by the clerks who served the parish more than 150 years ago. I expained to her that in many cases this the first time that some of the records have been looked at since the first day they was filed away. 

I can still recall our first research trip together to the St. Helena Parish Clerk's Office. I wanted Dr. McGuire to experience more than simply finding names in an index. I wanted her to see her ancestors names recorded in the marriage index books, leading us to the original marriage certificates. There is something empowering about reading documents your ancestors signed with their own hands, or in some cases, made their mark with an "X." It creates a connection to the past that cannot be explained until you experience it for yourself. The look on her face said it all. She expressed how happy and pleased she was to discover the records. It was one of those moments that reminds me why I love genealogy. 

Dr. Saundra Yancy McGuire
Photo Credit: Dr. Antoinette Harrell

The process required us to pull old record files from the vault. The young man working in the office had not yet learned how to retrieve records from the vault. I asked him if I could show him where the files were kept, and he gladly agreed. I invited Dr. McGuire to accompany us into the vault. She was surprised to see that the records were still carefully organized and preserved by the St. Helena Parish Clerk's Office.They resembled the rows of files you might see in a sheriff's office in an old Western movie. The vault itself has the appearance of the late 1800s, preserving not only the records but also a sense of history. 

We carried the files back to the table where we were working. I explained what to look for and reminded her that every record deserves to be read carefully because you never know what valuable information it may contain. As she searched through the records, she found the marriage certificate of Robert and Effie. Her excitement was unmistakable. She paused for a moment, carefully reading the document that recorded the marriage of her ancestors. It was more than a certificate—it was a tangible piece of her family's history. Watching her hold that document and reflect on the lives of those who came before her was a reminder that genealogy is about much more than names and dates. It is about reconnecting families with their stories.

Dr. Saundra Yancy McGuire, a retired Professor Emerita of Chemistry and internationally recognized authority on learning strategies, has embarked on a new kind of scientific study. This time, her laboratory is the courthouse, the archives, and the records vault. Together, we are exploring the chemistry of genealogy—discovering how names, documents, places, and generations bond together to reveal the remarkable story of her family.

Robert E. Yancy, Sr. and Effie Jane Gordon 
Marriage Certificate
St. Helena Parish Clerk's Office

Mt. Canaan Baptist Church, City of Refuge: Children's Creative Hearts Bring Joy to Nursing Home Residents

Campers Cards
Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell

Oftentimes, elderly and ill people can end up in nursing home facilities feeling forgotten. Some may not have family members to visit them, while others may experience neglect.

This week, Mt. Canaan Baptist Church, "City of Refuge" in Arcola, Louisiana, began its Vacation Bible School, and I was honored to be one of the many volunteers helping to guide the campers. Throughout the week, the children learned how to cope with the chaos they may face in their everyday lives. One of the lessons focused on caring for others who may be going through difficult and challenging times.

During their arts and crafts session, the campers were asked to make cards for nursing home residents. Their beautiful little minds became very creative, making heartfelt cards to remind the residents that they are loved and that God is with them through every storm of chaos. Their third day's lesson was about allowing the teachings of Christ to guide them in the midst of their chaos. Most of all, they learned to trust Him, even when they cannot see the way ahead. Some of the children expressed their compassion through thoughtful written messages, while others shared their love by drawing hearts, rainbows, flowers, and other colorful creations.

This was also a wonderful way to connect generations. The activity taught the children that showing compassion, kindness, and love to others is one of the surest ways to teach the younger generation the importance of loving one another. Christ instructed His followers, "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." (John 13:34)

A simple card, especially one made with the creativity and innocence of a child, can brighten someone's day, lift their spirits, and remind them that they are never forgotten. Untold History Foundation would like to thank all the campers. The cards will be delivered to Tangi Pines Nursing Home in Amite, Louisiana.

Campers Art Cards
Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell