Join us to learn about the life and work o f Elrich Murphy\, a prolific photographer whose work captured African Amer ican life in Alexandria like no other. See the photos on display\, and enj oy a presentation from local author\, historian\, and genealogist Char McC argo Bah. She will be joined by Elrich Murphy's daughter\, Rita Harris.
\nLight refreshments will be available before the program begins.
\ nRegistration is encouraged but not required. This event will be record ed.
\nAbout the exhibit
Elrich Murphy\, a prof
essional photographer\, documented everyday life within Alexandria&rsquo\;
s African American community throughout the mid-20th century. Born in 1909
\, Murphy attended St. Joseph&rsquo\;s Catholic School in Alexandria and A
rmstrong High School in Washington\, D.C. \;
Murphy \;work ed at William J. Gallery and Co.\, a Washington\, D.C. supplier of religio us goods. His photography career began in the 1930s as a hobby with a simp le box camera. \;Over time\, he amassed a collection of more than 2\,5 00 images featuring family portraits\, children\, weddings\, graduations\, formal gatherings\, and scenes of daily life. \;
\nMurphy&rsquo \;s photographs reveal a community determined to live life to the fullest\ , celebrating milestones\, nurturing families\, and building a vibrant soc ial and cultural world\, while offering a vivid window into the resilience \, culture\, and identity of Alexandria&rsquo\;s African American resident s. This exhibit presents a \;selection \;of his remarkable work\, honoring his legacy and the stories he preserved.
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