Abraham Hall

7612 Old Muirkirk Road, Beltsville, Maryland 20705
240-264-3415; TTY 301-699-2544

Abraham Hall, constructed in 1889, is the best example of an African American benevolent society lodge in Prince George's County. Located in the community of Rossville, it is the first African American historic site in the county to be fully restored using public funds. Renovated and re-dedicated in October 2008, it houses M-NCPPC's Black History Program.

The Black History Program documents, preserves and interprets African American history of Prince George’s County throughout the year. The mission of the Black History Program is to encourage public engagement with the county's African American history and its historical and cultural resources by providing educational, interpretive programs and exhibits for the general public and school age community. The program assists historical societies, the general public and local communities in documenting and celebrating their African American heritage.

The Black History Program began in 1982 as a survey project designed to inventory African American sites in the county. The original impetus came from community activists and residents who were concerned that buildings significant to the history of African American communities were being lost due to neglect and development. The Program began conducting primary research and locating original source documents such as census records, deeds, certificates of freedom. These records are usedto supplement the undocumented and oral history of county residents.

For its 1996 Tri-centennial celebration, Prince George’s County began to evaluate and to celebrate its resources including its African American heritage. The Black History Program’s contribution to this year long countywide celebration was an exhibit entitled Rough Diamonds: The Mid-Atlantic Leagues and Sandlot Heroes. The exhibit profiled Negro League baseball teams such as the Homestead Grays and the Pittsburg Crawfords which during their off season came to the county to play with the Washington Black Sox, Prince George’s County’s premier sandlot team.

The public's enthusiastic support of Rough Diamonds translated into an increased support of the Black History Program and its other interpretative efforts such as The M-NCPPC's annual Black History Month exhibit. Since then the Black History Program has installed increasing well received Black History Month exhibits including SSS…When the Iron was Hot: African American Ironworkers, Strong Foundation: African American Architects, Seasoned to Taste: A History of African American Food & Foodways, and What’s Hair Got to Do with It?: The History of African American Hair.

Another significant effort of the Black History Program was its work with the Sons and Daughters of Abraham and other staff of The M-NCPPC to complete the renovation of Abraham Hall. The Black History Program is currently operating out of Abraham Hall and strives to preserve Abraham Hall as an important neighborhood center that continues to serve the needs of the surrounding community.

Programs

first Tuesdays

First Tuesday of the month 12 noon-2 pm. The Black History Program invites community members and volunteers to monthly meetings at Abraham Hall. We offer programs with themes suggested by participants that also commemorate relevant events and milestones in African American in Prince George’s County. Come and enjoy friends and neighbors as we celebrate black history throughout the year! RSVP by the 25^th of the preceding month. Limit: 20 RSVP: 240-264-3415 or kenvi.phillips@pgparks.com

Visitor Information

Locations/Directions

From the Capital Beltway take the Kenilworth Avenue exit (MD-201) north. Kenilworth becomes Edmondston Road, then Edmondston becomes Old Baltimore Pike. From Old Baltimore Pike, turn right onto Muirkirk Road. Turn left onto Longwood Drive. Turn right onto Old Muirkirk and left at Abraham Hall.

From The Baltimore-Washington Parkway, travel north and exit at Rte. 197 Laurel-Bowie Road. Bear left towards Laurel. Turn left onto Muirkirk Road. Travel approximately 3 miles. Turn right onto Old Muirkirk Road. Abraham Hall is on the right.

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