As a way to commemorate a local scientist, the George Washington Carver National Monument will host the 65th annual Carver Day Celebration from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

“The event is a special day set aside to commemorate the achievements of George Washington Carver and how his life serves as role model in so many areas,” said GWC head park ranger Lana Henry. “This year, we are looking at Dr. Carver’s faith in God and spirituality which was such an evident part of who he was, what he chose to do as a humanitarian and scientist, and how he dealt with obstacles throughout his life.”

The event will entail the Unity Baptist Church Choir, Joplin, at 10 a.m. to kick it off. At 10:30 a.m., storytelling by Tracy Milsap of Kansas City and then 11 a.m., the Washington Avenue Baptist Church Choir from Springfield will perform. Milsap will be back at 11:30 p.m. for storytelling. At noon, Joyful Noise Community Choir of Kansas City will perform.

A special commemorative program will commence at 1 p.m., with Dr. Maurice Tate, professor of African American Studies at Missouri State University, and Senior Pastor of the Washington Avenue Baptist Church of Springfield, will be the guest speaker for the 1 p.m. commemorative program.

“A panel discussion will be conducted immediately following the program on the topic of Dr. Carver – A Man of Faith,” Henry said. “Rev. Harry F. Givens, Chairman of the Carver Birthplace Association will moderate the discussion, and the audience will have an opportunity to dialog with the speakers.”

Presenters include Chaplain Maceo Gray of Kansas City, Missouri, Dr. Bill Abernathy of Ozark Christian College and Tate.”

“I’ve spoken to each of these presenters and they are very excited to come and share their insight as to the complexities of Dr. Carver’s faith, and how George Washington Carver has impacted their life,” said Henry.

The public is invited to attend this fun-filled day. There will also be exhibits and tours.
“Visitors will be invited to participate in guided tours and attend ranger talks on Dr. Carver’s struggle for an education, chemurgy and his faith,” Henry said. “Children can earn a Junior Ranger badge, create a painting with natural dyes and enjoy the park’s new interactive exhibits. Activities will be available in the park’s new science classroom where visitors can make peanut milk, and learn of 21st century work in the biotech field.  Several exhibitors will be out on the lawn sharing information with the public.”

And a documentary on Dr. Carver’s life recently produced by Alabama's Tuskegee Institute will be shown in the theater at 3 p.m. 

“There is certainly something for everyone at this year’s Carver Day event, and we encourage the public to come join us as we celebrate this great man’s life,” said Henry.

The Carver Birthplace Association will offer concessions including hamburgers, hot dogs, polish sausage, cold drinks and other items for sale. And their expanded gift shop offers an array of new items. Activities will be held both inside the park’s newly expanded Visitor Center and outside on the lawn. 

Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs to enjoy the musical groups.  For more information, contact the monument at 325-4151.