Tolson's Chapel and School

Tolson's Chapel and School Tolson's Chapel was built in 1866 by the African American community in Sharpsburg, MD and served as a Freedmen's Bureau school 1868-1870.

Visits can be arranged by email to [email protected]

09/04/2026

September Open House
Saturday 9/5/2026
10:00AM - 2:00PM
Please join us!

07/30/2026

Join us for Tolson's Chapel's August Open House
8/1/26
10AM-2PM

07/04/2026

The Doleman Black Heritage Museum (DBHM) is honored to announce the launch of the Herman “Skip” Davis Jr. Legacy Photo Contest, a historical photography initiative created in memory of Mr. Skip, former Vice President of the Board and a devoted visual storyteller.

Mr. Skip was a passionate photographer whose lens captured the depth, dignity, and lived experiences of Black communities throughout Maryland and the greater Washington, DC area. His work reflected a belief that history is not only found in archives, but in everyday moments, people, and places. This contest is a continuation of that belief and a tribute to his enduring legacy.

The Legacy Photo Contest invites photographers of all levels to submit original work that reflects Black life, history, culture, and community in ways that align with the mission of DBHM. This initiative seeks to honor Mr. Skip not only for his leadership and service, but for the way he saw the world: through a lens of purpose, preservation, and profound respect for Black heritage.

For more information, scan the QR Code below or send us a message!

07/04/2026

Due to excessive temperature, Tolson's Chapel and School's Open House today, 7/4/2026 will end at 12 noon.

07/04/2026

Remembering America's 250th

07/01/2026

July Open House! 7/4/26
10AM-2PM
AMERICA 250!
TOLSON'S CHAPEL 160!

06/18/2026

Join us from 10-2 at Tolson's Chapel to learn facts about Juneteenth!

June Open House! 6/6/26 10AM-2:00PM
06/05/2026

June Open House! 6/6/26 10AM-2:00PM

05/21/2026

From our collection:
A photograph of Simon Murdock. He is wearing a GAR uniform with GAR membership badge on coat, holding hat with XVIII Army Corps badge. Donated to the Society in 2000 by Julia Ann Roop Cairns.

Our site states...
Print, photographic. B/W silver gelatin print, 4.125"h x 2.375"w, of Simon Murdock. Taken outdoors; he is wearing a GAR uniform with GAR membership badge on coat, holding hat with XVIII Army Corps badge. Photo is mounted on black paper and appears to have been removed from a scrapbook.
Simon Murdock served in the Civil War with Co. F, Fourth Regiment, U.S. Colored Troops. Enlisted 4 August 1864; honorably discharged for disability 5 May 1865; received head wound which is visible in photo. Founding member of Thadeus Stevens Post #40, GAR, New Windsor, Md.

05/17/2026

On May 19th at 10 AM, the African American Heritage Preservation Program will be hosting a virtual webinar for the FY27 grant round, where attendees will learn about the application process, eligibility requirements, selection criteria, deadlines, and more! Attendance is free, but you must register to participate. Visit the workshop event page for full details: https://bit.ly/4sek9Di.

The AAHPP provides grants to assist in preserving buildings, sites, or communities that are of historical and cultural importance to the African American experience in Maryland. It is administered as a partnership between MHT and the Maryland Commission on African American History & Culture.

Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum

Address

111 E High Street
Sharpsburg, MD
21782

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Tolson's Chapel and School posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Place Of Worship

Send a message to Tolson's Chapel and School:

Shortcuts

Share