The Burleigh Legacy Alliance will debut a new traveling exhibit, Discovering Black Erie, during a press event on Tuesday, June 17 at 9:00 a.m. at the Hagen History Center.

Created in partnership with the Hagen History Center and Erie Yesterday, the exhibit features five retractable banners spotlighting the Lawrence family—key figures in Erie’s African American community with roots in the historic Jerusalem neighborhood.

Stories are drawn from the Ada Lawrence & Johnny Johnson Archival Collection.

The exhibit aims to tell Erie’s African American history “one story at a time,” offering a personal lens into the broader community narrative. It is intended for display in public spaces like schools, libraries, and offices.

The project was funded by an Empowered History grant from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.

Following its launch, the exhibit will be on display at the Historical Institute of Culture and the African American Experience, 315 E. 9th Street, as part of this year’s Juneteenth commemoration.