The 4th edition of Lighting the Trail: The African-American Heritage of Martha’s Vineyard covers the story of the creation of The African-American Heritage Trail on Martha's Vineyard. From its early days when it was prompted by a boy asking, "Where were all the Black people then?” through the triumphs and tragedies involved in building the 42-site Trail in every town on the Island. Each site is described and the perspectives and reflections of the author and the community are vividly expressed. It is a story of building and celebrating community and memory. It shares an inclusive history honoring all who have contributed to the story of Martha's Vineyard. 

 ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Elaine Cawley Weintraub, co-founder of The African-American Heritage Trail, is a historian and served as the history department chair at the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School. She is a Paul Cuffe Fellow, a fellowship that is granted by the Mystic Seaport Museum in recognition of original scholarship into the field of “minority contributions to the maritime history of New England.”  She has published extensively in Ireland and the United States. As Executive Director of The African-American Heritage Trail she coordinates educational outreach, cultural heritage tours, presents workshops and works collaboratively with civic and philanthropic organizations to preserve land, history, and memory on Martha’s Vineyard.