Enduring Families Project

Enduring Families Project The Enduring Families Project explores the local history of African-American settlers. It includes e

A great evening for The Enduring Families Project at The Black Excellence Awards Event!
03/03/2026

A great evening for The Enduring Families Project at The Black Excellence Awards Event!

The Juneteenth Court at the Mapleleaf Parade!
09/28/2025

The Juneteenth Court at the Mapleleaf Parade!

A wonderful August Ball was held at the Capella Arts Center last weekend. The community's 3rd, to honor the August Ball ...
08/15/2025

A wonderful August Ball was held at the Capella Arts Center last weekend. The community's 3rd, to honor the August Ball held in La Crosse in the late 19th Century. Reenactors ( portraying George Edwin Taylor and Lilian Davenport) told its story. The traditions of cotillion mixed with rich local history continues!

Saturday is approaching fast get your dress grab a tux and celebrate this annual tradition!Tickets can be purchased on E...
08/05/2025

Saturday is approaching fast get your dress grab a tux and celebrate this annual tradition!
Tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite: La Crosse Annual August Ball Celebration 2025!

Great showing at the Juneteenth Celebration at Riverside Park on Saturday!
06/22/2025

Great showing at the Juneteenth Celebration at Riverside Park on Saturday!

03/11/2025

Discover the history of African Americans in the Driftless region through the Enduring Families Project at the Holmen Library on Mar. 12.

Great times at the Black Excellence Awards Dinner!
02/25/2025

Great times at the Black Excellence Awards Dinner!

02/06/2025

Blanche Wilkins was born in La Crosse on December 1, 1876. She became deaf at an early age and enrolled in the Minnesota State Academy for the Deaf when she was 8 years old. In 1893, she became the first African American woman to graduate from the Minnesota State Academy for the Deaf, graduating at the top of her class.

In 1895, she became the first Black deaf woman teacher at the North Carolina School for the Colored Deaf and Blind. According to a North Carolina newspaper from 1897, she received a yearly salary of $250. She retired from her role in 1898.

In 1926, a prominent deaf magazine, "The Silent Worker," described her as "the most accomplished deaf lady of her race in America."

02/05/2025

Zachariah Henry Moss, the son of Zachariah Lewis and Mary (Hunter) Moss, was born in La Crosse in 1865. As a young man, he joined Moss and Son Barber Shop with his father at 610 North 3rd Street. He learned the barber trade and inherited his father's talent in boxing and entertaining the clientele. He and his father were well-known for their ability to tell a good story, their sense of fairness, and for keeping a clean shop. They were also recognized for their patience, especially when teaching the trade and boxing to other young men in the neighborhood.

La Crosse's Black Barbers from the gallery at the La Crosse Area Heritage Center.
Research: Enduring Families Project
Photo: Zachariah Henry Moss, courtesy of the Moss Family

02/04/2025

Zachariah Lewis Moss was born in Wheeling, Virginia, now part of West Virginia, around 1822. He and his wife, Mary, worked on packet boats along the Mississippi River before settling in La Crosse around 1855. Zachariah's first barber shop was on Pearl Street between 2nd and 3rd streets, where he partnered with August Thompson.

Zachariah's barber shop, strategically located near the river, railroad yards, and big hotels, attracted a diverse clientele. His services were affordable, with shaves for three cents and haircuts for five cents. Beyond barbering, Moss also offered Turkish Baths, a billiard hall, and a boxing ring in the back alley for after-hours entertainment. The Moss family's versatility was evident in their skills as not just barbers but also as skilled boxers.

La Crosse's Black Barbers from the gallery at the La Crosse Area Heritage Center
Research: Enduring Families Project
Photo: Zachariah Lewis Moss, courtesy of the Moss Family

02/03/2025

Did you know that George Edwin Taylor made history as the first African American to run for President of the United States? Born in 1857 in Arkansas, Taylor’s journey as a young boy brought him to La Crosse, Wisconsin. He was fostered by Nathan and Sarah Smith of rural West Salem.

Taylor became a prominent voice in African American politics. He wrote for local papers, published the "Wisconsin Labor Advocate," and launched the national weekly magazine "Negro Solicitor."

In 1904, Taylor was selected to lead the ticket of the National Negro Liberty Party for the office of President of the United States. He was the first African American to run for president.


Image: George Edwin Taylor, 1904 Presidential Campaign Poster.
Source: Eartha White Collection, Thomas G. Carpenter Library, University of North Florida.

Enduring Families Project Children’s Stories recently published a book on the life of George Edwin Taylor and his journey to being the first Black Presidential Candidate. For more information, visit: https://efpcs.org/story-1-a-long-way-to-find-home/

Address

145 West Avenue South
La Crosse, WI
54601

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4pm
Tuesday 9am - 4pm
Wednesday 9am - 4pm
Thursday 9am - 4pm
Friday 9am - 4pm

Telephone

+16087821980

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