In celebration of Black History Month, The Heritage Center of Murfreesboro and Rutherford County is partnering with Bradley Academy Museum and Cultural Center and the Murfreesboro Branch of the NAACP to present “American Baptist College: A Foundation for Civil Rights.”

The free community heritage lecture will take place at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 14, at Bradley Academy Museum and Cultural Center, 415 S. Academy St. in Murfreesboro.

Bradley Academy Museum and Cultural Center is located at 415 S. Academy St. in Murfreesboro.

Jessica French, a research assistant at the MTSU Center for Historic Preservation and a Ph.D. candidate in MTSU’s public history program, will share highlights of the history and significance of American Baptist College from its recent nomination to the National Register of Historic Places.

Last month, the Tennessee Historical Commission’s State Review Board approved designation of the site as a historic district in the areas of ethnic heritage, education, and religion.

The Nashville college has significance as an African-American theological seminary and as a foundation for leaders and icons in the civil rights movement of the mid-20th century, particularly with the Nashville student movement.

The Rev. Kenny Williams, president of the Murfreesboro NAACP, noted that American Baptist College graduates have played an important role in civil rights on both the regional level and the national scene as well.

The Heritage Center of Murfreesboro and Rutherford County (www.hcmrc.org) is a joint venture between the Tennessee Civil War National Heritage Area, Main Street: Murfreesboro/Rutherford County, the city of Murfreesboro and the Center for Historic Preservation at MTSU (www.mtsuhistpres.org). Bradley Academy Museum and Cultural Center (www.bradleymuseum.com) offers special cultural events and educational programs throughout the year.

For more information about this special event, please call The Heritage Center at 217-8013 or Bradley Academy at 867-2633 or email heritage@mtsu.edu.