George Bonga of 1837
In March 2022, historical reenactor Joel Brown joined us at the Charles A. Weyerhaeuser Memorial Museum to tell the story of the Bonga lineage. The event was a resounding success, and we were eager to work with Joel again. He will be joining us at the museum with an updated lecture on Saturday, May 6, 2023 at 11:00 AM.
In the 1790s, Pierre Bonga, on record as the earliest person of African descent in Minnesota, worked for the Northwest Fur Company in Grand Portage, MN, a few miles south of the Canadian Border, and in the Red River Valley. He married an Ojibwe woman.
Their son George Bonga was born in 1802 at present-day Duluth, MN. George worked for the American Fur Company. He, like his father, spoke several Indian languages, as well as English and French, and acted as an interpreter. Pierre’s eldest child, Marguerete Bonga, married Jacob Fahlstrom of Stockholm, Sweden in 1823. Jacob is considered one of Minnesota’s first Swedish residents.
This event is free, but registration is required, so be sure to call the museum at (320)632-4007 or email us at staff@morrisoncountyhistory.org to reserve your place by May 5th.
A Cultural History Interpreter since 1996, Joel Brown’s primary focus is The U.S. Army Air Corps / U.S. Army Air Forces of World War II. In 2016 he incorporated into his repertoire two notable Fur Trade Voyageurs of the Territorial Era of Minnesota: Pierre and George Bonga.
George Bonga of 1837
May 6, 2023 — 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
The Charles A. Weyerhaeuser Memorial Museum, 2151 Lindbergh Dr S, Little Falls, MN, 56345
Free but registration is required. Call (320)632-4007 or email staff@morrisoncountyhistory.org to register by May 5.
Saturday May 6, 2023
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM CDT
May 6, 2022
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Charles A. Weyerhaeuser Memorial Museum 2151 Lindbergh Dr S Little Falls MN 56345
Free but registration is required by May 5, 2022
Little Falls Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism
200 1st St NW
Little Falls MN 56345
320.632.5155
assistance@littlefallsmnchamber.com
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