Cheyney University News May 19, 2016 Cheyney Alumna Loans Historic Book to Philadelphia Museum Set to open in 2017 A rare, signed copy of Poet Phyllis Wheatley's 1773 book, Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral, owned by Cheyney<http://www.cheyney.edu/> alumna Dr. Marion T. Lane ('70), will be displayed at the Museum of the American Revolution (MoAR), set to open April 19, 2017 in Philadelphia. Lane, a member of the Board of Directors of the MoAR, purchased the book in 2014, knowing what an incredible treasure it was. Wheatley, a 17-year-old slave, was the first African American to have a book published even though many white colonists did not believe that a slave could write such poems. Not deterred when Boston publishers refused to publish the book, Wheatley took it to court. In 1772, a group of important Bostonians, including John Hancock, a prominent Patriot of the American Revolution, and the governor of Boston, examined Wheatley and signed an attestation that she was, in fact, the author of the poems. That attestation is included in the 1773 book. "This book is significant as an example of a young girl who found her talent and had it nourished and supported by those who loved her. She had a significant impact around the world," explained Lane, a retired educator. "All children should be assisted and supported in determining their individual talents. They should be encouraged because every person has a talent." Wheatley became famous. As the Revolutionary War progressed, she wrote more poems in sympathy with the patriots, including one about General George Washington called His Excellency General Washington. A grateful and impressed Washington invited Wheatley to meet with him, and she did in March 1776. Thomas Paine, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, republished Wheatley's poem in the Pennsylvania Gazette in April 1776. Lane is extremely interested in the Revolutionary War because her grandfathers were Patriots in the War, including one who served at Valley Forge under George Washington. "People don't know that 10% of Washington's army was comprised of soldiers of African and Native African descent. They don't know of the significant contributions of African Americans in the founding of our nation," she insists. "That's my mission in retirement--to spread the word." That's why Lane was so eager to loan Wheatley's book to the MoAR for the museum's permanent collection. When she purchased the book, however, it was in poor condition with torn and worn pages, an incomplete spine and front cover, and various other signs of wear. "Luckily, Wheatley's signature remained intact," she says, relieved. To get the book museum-ready, though, Lane had the Conservation Center for Arts and History Artifacts in Philadelphia restore and stabilize the rare find. That process took four months before it was ready to go to the museum for the public to eventually see. When it opens in 2017, the Museum of the American Revolution will be located just two blocks from Independence Hall in the historic heart of Philadelphia, the city that served as the headquarters of America's founding. Also an author, Lane served as a Pennsylvania educator for over 38 years including in the Philadelphia School District, the Department of Education and the Chester School District. She is a member of 11 heritage organizations and is one of the few African American members of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the National Gavel Society, and the Society of Descendants of Washington's Army at Valley Forge (National President 2010-2014). To access Lane's website, click here.<http://mariontlane.com/> SANDRA M. PHOENIX Executive Director HBCU Library Alliance sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org> www.hbculibraries.org<http://www.hbculibraries.org/> 800-999-8558, ext. 4820 404-592-4820 Skype: sandra.phoenix1 Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/hbculibraryalliance1/ Check out "PULSE!" The HBCU Library Alliance's News Source! - https://hbculibraryalliance.wordpress.com/ 1438 West Peachtree NW Suite 150 Atlanta,GA 30309 Toll Free: 1.800.999.8558 (LYRASIS) Fax: 404.892.7879 www.lyrasis.org<http://www.lyrasis.org/> Honor the ancestors, honor the children.