Minutes of Meeting at Georgetown Day High School, November 1, 2004

Present were Paul Penniman, Kathleen Glines from Edmund Burke, Patty Howie from NCS, Beth Cole from St. Patrick’s, Mary Milroy from Sidwell Friends, Bruce Snyder and Judy Knight from GDS, Dorothy Prats from St. Andrew’s, Betty King from Maret, Syamala Chenulu from Capitol Hill Day, Ayana Touval from Jewish Day, Nancy Wright from Washington Episcopal, Sue Harris from Queen Anne, and Betsy Bennett from St. Albans.

Many thanks to Bruce Snyder for hosting and to Karen Dee Michalowicz from Langley for speaking on Benjamin Banneker. Karen is also an adjunct professor at George Mason University.

Paul’s notes on Benjamin Banneker:

BB’s grandmother was an indentured servant from England who eventually bought the land where she worked. She married one of her freed slaves who was originally from West Africa.

BB’s father bought property after he was freed from slavery.

BB’s family settled with the Ellicott family in Maryland. The Ellicotts gave BB books since formal education was only through fourth grade.

American University has many of BB’s journals.

BB wrote a letter in 1791 protesting slavery. He helped survey the boundaries of D.C., and he was a contributor to the Maryland almanac.

We also discussed Wilson HS’s desire to participate in meets. They will be welcome provided space is available. Paul has asked them to send $50 to treasurer Nancy Wright.