City history on public TV

City history on public TV

CUMBERLAND — Maryland Public Television will air a half-hour special that explores the state's African American heritage, including the history of Cumberland, on Thursday at 8 p.m.

The group of about 10 local people who was involved with the filming will hold a reception Thursday beginning at 7 p.m. at the Fulton Myers Post 153 American Legion, 158 N. Mechanic St. The club has a wide-screen TV for viewing the show.

Emmanuel Episcopal Church was one of the stops on the filming tour because it was involved with the Underground Railroad. The church history includes a story about a black freeman who would ring the church bell as a signal to runaway slaves who would scurry into the church's tunnels for safety.

The program, "Crossings," will air again Sunday at noon and 10:30 p.m.