(LEWES, Del.) - Today, the Zwaanendael Museum in Lewes held an African American history lesson led by archaeologist John McCarthy.
The audience learned about Charles Tilton, one of the earliest African American landowners in Delaware.
Tilton's land was on a current day state park near Harrington, in the early 1800's.
"Not only was a fella who was born into slavery, who manages to become free, but to become free and to stay in Delaware is a usual thing, to become a prosperous farmer is even more unusual," McCarthy said.
Some African Americans in attendance, one coming as far as Newark, felt pride in hearing Tilton's story.
"Too often we don't hear too much about African American history month and what we do hear about it can be a bit depressing so it's good to hear about a landowner who made a living for itself at a time it was very hard to do as a black person," said David Mahon, a University Of Delaware student.
The museum had artifacts onsite from what they believe is Tilton's home. They were glad they were able to help his story be told.
"Our mission is to save Delaware History and disseminate history to people because without history you can't move forward. Part of our history is the African American story," said Bridget Warner, a museum representative.
Not too much is known about Charles Tilton but what we do know he is a very important part of African American history.