Shankleville Historical Society, Inc.

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Shankleville Historical Society, Inc. Shankleville is a "freedmens community" founded by Jim and Winnie Shankle in Newton County, TX, 1867 Visit www.shankleville.org to learn more.

Shankleville Community, Texas is a “freedmen’s community” founded by Jim and Winnie Shankle in Deep East Texas. This Historical Society seeks to preserve the heritage, document the history and propagate the legacy of the Shankleveille Community. Named for Jim and Winnie Shankle, known as the first Blacks in Newton County, Texas to buy land and become local leaders after gaining freedom by emancipation. Donate to support in the preservation of this legacy - https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=NEV3F4R4VSLZ6

October is  . Be sure to write down the memorable stories that you remember. Here are some prompts to get started and su...
10/26/2026

October is . Be sure to write down the memorable stories that you remember. Here are some prompts to get started and suggestions for telling cherished tales.

October is  . Take time this week to scan photos and documents that have been sitting around to preserve their longevity...
10/19/2026

October is . Take time this week to scan photos and documents that have been sitting around to preserve their longevity and to share with other family members. Here are some tips to digitize family items and save them for generations to come.

We are happy to share that the documentary on Freedom Colonies, “Raise Your Head Up” by Richard Orton, which features ou...
10/15/2026

We are happy to share that the documentary on Freedom Colonies, “Raise Your Head Up” by Richard Orton, which features our beloved Shankleville is fully available on the PBS YouTube Page.

Check it out!

After the American Civil War, over four million formerly enslaved p...

October is  . Figure out how to record family memories either in video or audio format. Here is some guidance to plan an...
10/12/2026

October is . Figure out how to record family memories either in video or audio format. Here is some guidance to plan and capture meaningful conversations.

October is  . Take the opportunity this month to scan, record, write, join, and share your family`s story and legacy. We...
10/08/2026

October is . Take the opportunity this month to scan, record, write, join, and share your family`s story and legacy. We can all do our part in capturing the stories we know and love.

Check out resources from the National Genealogical Society on how to join the family history community - https://bit.ly/3WaZfd6

Happy Family History Month! Be sure to scan and record your family history! 🌿🪾
10/07/2026

Happy Family History Month! Be sure to scan and record your family history! 🌿🪾

As we celebrate Family History Month in October, NGS is excited to support you and the genealogy and family history community with a few ways to explore, preserve, and share unique stories and memories from our families.

Check out this dance activity with one of our community supporters, Stacey Allen!
02/25/2026

Check out this dance activity with one of our community supporters, Stacey Allen!

We’re really looking forward to this one 🤍

Join our OPI family member, Stacey Allen, for a special Black History Month storytime at the Houston Public Library.

đź“… Saturday, February 28
⏰ 10:30–11:00 AM (CT)
📍 Robinson-Westchase Neighborhood Library, Meeting Room
🎒 Best suited for preschool and elementary-aged children (3–10)

will read from her book D is for Dance, followed by a little movement and a simple activity for the kids. It’s a gentle, joyful space to gather and share a love of reading across generations.

Register here:
calendar.houstonlibrary.org/event/15411612

If you're in the Houston-Galveston area, here's a great opportunity to advance your family history journey with a dynami...
02/02/2026

If you're in the Houston-Galveston area, here's a great opportunity to advance your family history journey with a dynamic program and presenters.

We are thrilled to partner with Holocaust Museum Houston to present two vital genealogy workshops: "Documenting Your African American Family History: A Call to Action presented by Debra Blacklock- Sloan and “African American Historical Records” presented by Francisco Heredia with the Harris County District Clerk’s office.
Join us for an informative and educational session on tips, resources, and records needed to uncover your African American ancestors. This free event is a powerful step in preserving your family's legacy!

🗓️ When: Saturday, February 14, 2026, | 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. 📍 Where: Holocaust Museum Houston (5401 Caroline St.)

â—Ź BONUS: Ten Equal Justice Initiative calendars and one DNA kit will be given away after the presentation!

â—Ź Seating is limited and advance registration is required!

➡️ RSVP NOW via Holocaust Museum Houston:

Here’s an opportunity to view the documentary.
01/27/2026

Here’s an opportunity to view the documentary.

“Shankleville: A Love That Still Stands” is scheduled to screen as a part of the “Land, Legacy, & Memory Shorts” block at the Denton Black Film Festival on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at Campus Theatre, 214 W Hickory St, Denton, TX 76201 at 1:30 pm.

“Shankleville: A Love That Still Stands,” is a short documentary that chronicles the love story of an enslaved couple who built a community in East Texas, their descendants who celebrate their contributions, and the importance of their history.

To order tickets for the screening, visit https://tinyurl.com/5n7m48mt .

For more information on the Denton Black Film Festival, visit https://dentonbff.com/

To learn more about the documentary, visit https://tinyurl.com/5ez4hbta .

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Burkeville, TX

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