Eastport's Soul

Many African-American families settled here more than a century ago, and after four generations they remained the heart and soul of this neighborhood. Their religious, educational, and cultural institutions became pillars of Eastport life. The building across the street once served as the Third Street School for "colored children," but after Civil Rights legislation in the 1960s the segregated school closed. Today the building is home to the Seafarers' Yacht Club, a private club whose members are primarily African-American. Reverend Joseph J. Turner was highly regarded by the congregations of Mt. Zion United Methodist Church and John Wesley United Methodist Church. The original Mt. Zion church was established in the nineteenth century, and today African-American families gather for worship at the Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, rebuilt at 612 Second Street in 1991.

Annapolis, Maryland · United States