Uncover Dubuque's Black Heritage

04/10/2025

Sorry, I am getting this story posted very late. However, the first comment provides a link to send a donation and more about the committee.

With a new fiscal agent and fundraising events on the horizon, the Nathaniel Morgan Memorial Committee is making progress in its goal to honor a victim of racial violence in

09/05/2023

The event is tomorrow (Sept 6) in person in Dubuque.

EVENT IS COMING UP SOON!

Rekindling Dubuque’s Early Promise of Peace and Unity
Wednesday, September 6, 7:00 - 8:00 pm
In-person, Shalom Spirituality Center, Chapel
Facilitators: Ernestine Moss and Brian Hallstoos, co-chairs of the Nathaniel Morgan Memorial Committee

Amid the hustle and bustle of early Dubuque, a devout group of congregants made plans to construct the area's first church building. The in*******al group demonstrated that this new structure would be for everyone, regardless of background. African American Charlotte Morgan donated money for this peaceful purpose. The church was built, but only a few years later, a white mob accused Charlotte's spouse, Nathaniel, of theft and - in broad daylight - lynched him. The local court acquitted the mob leaders of the crime, and the early promise of a peaceful, in*******al community was dashed. The Nathaniel Morgan Memorial Committee co-chairs Ernestine Moss and Brian Hallstoos will present on their committee's efforts to memorialize Mr. Morgan and how remembering him rekindles the spirit of peace through in*******al unity.

Shalom welcomes Dubuque Mayor Cavanagh to this event! Mayor Cavanagh will read a proclamation at the beginning of this event, featuring a wonderful designation in honor of Nathaniel and Charlotte Morgan.

Freewill offerings received will support the Nathaniel Morgan Memorial Committee. RSVP is preferred but optional for this event by Tuesday, September 5.

01/06/2023

Did you miss the Outreach Program in November about Dubuque's Black Heritage? Have no fear. You can catch Chris Happ Olson's January 3rd presentation to Dubuque's city council on YouTube. It starts after the roll call. https://youtu.be/_jCKs5w9zlk You can also go directly to the City of Dubuque Government's Youtube page .

A City Council Work Session for the Black Heritage Survey was held on January 3, 2023. Minutes and agendas for all work sessions and council meetings are ava...

11/18/2022

Today I looked at the 1835 land deed of Nathaniel Morgan when we were still Michigan territory. Ten years before my earlist find Antonie Arthur who purchased his land in 1846. I love Iowa Genealogical Society because there staff and members are willing to help anyone. Also, because they are an affiliate library of FamilySearch. I was able to download or view the 1835 land deed from Dubuque, Iowa plus many more.

Send a message to learn more

11/09/2022

Check out the GIS storyboard. Coming soon you will be able to add to the board.

11/09/2022

I got to see Ralph's memorial while I was in town. Along with the "A City at Work" exhibit at Carnegie_Stout library and other art on display.

11/03/2022

This Saturday come out to talk, share, ask questions and meet me and others working to uncover the history. Bring photos and other items we will scan and return immediately. Everyone is visit. Looking forward to meeting you. Ricki

10/05/2022

The new Iowa State University Biographical Dictionary includes Dubuque's own Robert Lee Martin. "The project includes nearly 500 people, both deceased and living authored by over 150 authors."

The project started in 2014; an overview can be found at https://lnkd.in/git7tCMd.

Learn more about Robert.
https://lnkd.in/gQ7wS_VV

African-American Iowa State graduate, member, Tuskegee Flying Airmen in World War II and honored for his heroism, electrical engineer.

09/12/2022

Meet Antoine/Anthony Arthur and his family. He received .76 acres of land in Dubuque County in Iowa Territory 27 days before statehood on 1 December 1846. Looking at the 1850 federal census, we see his children Edward and Catherine were born in the Iowa Territory in about 1837 and 1838, respectively. Edward died in Dubuque in 1886, and his mother Agnes in 1889. Edward worked as a barber. Agnes, at times, ran a boarding house at 435 Clay St.

08/01/2022

Honoring one of Dubuque's own Capt. Robert L. Martin.

DUBUQUE, Iowa (AP) — The main terminal at Dubuque’s regional airport has been renamed to honor a Black World War II fighter pilot from the eastern Iowa city. The family of the late Robert Martin, city leaders and those who sought the change gathered Tuesday for a ribbon cutting at the Dubuque Re...