The Chamber is delighted to introduce a fresh spotlight series that focuses on showcasing the accomplishments, narratives, and significant contributions of our members to the community. We trust that the stories shared will inspire and captivate you, serving as testimonials to the vitality of the Frederick County business and nonprofit community.
The AARCH Society identifies, collects, preserves, and makes publicly accessible, through our programs and services, the objects, artifacts and stories about the history, rich heritage and culture and the contributions of African Americans in Frederick County past and present and in doing so educates, enriches and enlightens this and future generations.
A conversation with Dr. Cheryl Renee Gooch, Executive Director
How long have you been a member of the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce?
2-3 years
What inspired the creation of your nonprofit? Share the story behind its founding.
The African American Resources Cultural and Heritage (AARCH) Society was incorporated as a 501 (c)(3) non-profit in 2009 to celebrate and illuminate the rich contributions and history of African Americans in Frederick County.
Fredericktonians headed to the March on Washington in 1963
What’s an interesting fact about your nonprofit most people don’t know?
Since 2001 AARCH Society has served as the custodian of African American life and history in Frederick County. To date, the collection totals more than 140 cubic feet of space including 70 cubic feet of artifacts and 70 cubic feet of documents, letters, and manuscripts, along with approximately 20 oversized ephemeral pieces, and a library consisting of 450 titles. Additional items await processing. The collection presents diverse, complex perspectives of African American life during the last 200 years.
Employees of Lincoln Tailoring Association (Sewing Factory) housed at the Pythian Castle on W. All Saints Street
How can the community support your organization?
Contribute to our capital campaign to support the completion of renovation of the Heritage Center space and installation of the core exhibition.
The 1939 Richfield Eagles are established as Frederick’s first Negro League Baseball Club, playing until 1947
Do you have any initiatives or events coming up you would like the community to know about and get involved in?
We will soon launch our online store that will feature customized AARCH Society T-shirts and mugs.
Frederick Chamber Insights is a news outlet of the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce. For more information about membership, programs and initiatives, please visit our website.