Ramsey County Historical Society Presents

Paul D. Nelson, The Golden Couple: Billy and Nellie Francis

History Revealed Series
March 16, 2017
Thursday, 7 p.m.
Ramsey County Library – Roseville

Free and open to all.

William T. (Billy) and Nellie Francis were “The Golden Couple” in Ramsey County in the 1920’s. They were good-looking, intelligent,  successful, and committed to Civil Rights both here and abroad. Then they went to Africa, and things went terribly wrong. Paul D. Nelson will present the story of their lives and influence as African-Americans in Ramsey County and in the then-new country of Liberia in Africa.

Paul D. Nelson is an author and historian. He is the author of numerous articles for Ramsey County History magazine, and Fredrick L. McGhee: A Life on the Color Line 1861-1912, published in 2002.

Please join RCHS and Paul D. Nelson on March 16 for this fascinating discussion on this little-know story of two influential leaders in Ramsey County.

No reservations needed.

History Revealed Program Series

Please note that topics and speakers may change. Check the website and our Facebook page for updates. Click on the dates for links to more information.
Please also note presentation location and times.

February 23, 2017, Thursday, 7:00 pm – Brian McMahon, The Ford Century in Minnesota
Roseville Library, 2173 Hamline Ave N, Roseville, MN 55113

March 13, 2017, Monday, 7:00 pm – Jeremy Nienow, Archaeology at Lake Vadnais
Shoreview Library, 4560 Victoria St N, Shoreview, MN 55126

March 16, 2017, Thursday, 7:00 pm – Paul D. Nelson, The Golden Couple, William T. & Nellie Francis
Roseville Library, 2173 Hamline Ave N, Roseville, MN 55113

April 20, 2017, Thursday, 7:00 pm – Stephen Osman, Fort Snelling and the Civil War
Roseville Library, 2173 Hamline Ave N, Roseville, MN 55113

May 16, 2017, Tuesday, 7:00 pm – Jeremy Nienow, Archaeological Leads and Mysteries of Ramsey County
Roseville Library, 2173 Hamline Ave N, Roseville, MN 55113

June 15, 2017, Thursday, 7:00 pm – Steve Trimble, Ethel Stewart & Gibbs Farm: A Unique Adventure
Roseville Library, 2173 Hamline Ave N, Roseville, MN 55113

July 27, 2017, Thursday, 7:00 pm – David Page, Aha Moments in Writing F. Scott Fitzgerald in Minnesota
Roseville Library, 2173 Hamline Ave N, Roseville, MN 55113

August 24, 2017, Thursday, 7:00 pm – Eileen McCormack, James J. Hill & Family: Early Saint Paul, Early Railroads, Lasting Legacy
Roseville Library, 2173 Hamline Ave N, Roseville, MN 55113

September 21, 2017, Thursday, Noon – John Anfinson, Saint Paul & Minneapolis Water Sources (TBA)
Landmark Center Main Gallery, 75 W Fifth St, Saint Paul, MN 55102

September 28, 2017, Thursday, 7:00 pm– Krista Finstad Hanson, Minnesota’s Historic House Museums
Roseville Library, 2173 Hamline Ave N, Roseville, MN 55113

October 26, 2017, Thursday, 7:00 pm – Paul D. Nelson, Melvin Maas
Roseville Library, 2173 Hamline Ave N, Roseville, MN 55113

November 30, 2017, Thursday, 7:00 pm – John Watson Milton, For the Good of the Order: Nick Coleman
Roseville Library, 2173 Hamline Ave N, Roseville, MN 55113