Texas Woman’s to unveil Quakertown memorial, trail system

Oct. 12, 2026 ― DENTON ― Texas Woman’s will officially unveil a permanent memorial recognizing the historic Quakertown neighborhood and a new east campus trail system at back-to-back ribbon-cutting ceremonies on Oct. 20.

The Quakertown Memorial, which includes a symbolic amphitheater, etched names of residents in stone and a map of 1920 Denton, was designed to serve as a space to recount, reflect and heal over events in the 1920s that led to the forced relocation of scores of Black families to an undeveloped area of Denton.

The unveiling, at 700 E. University Drive just south of the university’s athletic fields, is set for 10 a.m.

“This memorial is both a permanent space to honor and remember the past and a place for future generations to learn, reflect, and connect,” said TWU Chancellor Carine Feyten. “My hope is that it will bring our community closer together, deepen our understanding of our shared history, and remind us of the importance of moving forward together.”

In conjunction with the unveiling, TWU has partnered with the Denton Black Film Festival to present a screening of the 2026 documentary “Quakertown, USA.” The screening will take place at 1 p.m. that day in the Phyllis J. Bridges Auditorium in Hubbard Hall. 

Directed by acclaimed filmmakers Lindell Singleton and King Hollis, the film explores Quakertown’s history as a beacon within Denton, influencing achievement and civic life in the county for greater than 40 years — and the events that ultimately led to the forced removal of the families. 

Prior to the Quakertown unveiling, the university will celebrate the official opening of the university’s East Campus Outdoor Facilities space, which includes a circuit of fitness trails and a pavilion. The event also will feature the inaugural Pioneer Stomp, an activity in which attendees will help sow native wildflower and grass seeds in a new conservation zone.

Both ceremonies and the public film screening are part of the university’s Dream Big Festival, a week-long celebration marking the university’s 125th anniversary.

Page last updated 4:04 PM, October 12, 2026