SU's Horton Debuts 'Saving San Domingo' Documentary
SALISBURY, MD---Salisbury University adjunct environmental studies faculty and documentarian Tom Horton enjoys regular bicycle rides to get some exercise and fresh air, and to explore areas of the Eastern Shore he may not have seen before.
On a ride a few years ago, he came across San Domingo a small community in Wicomico County, an area founded in 1820 by free Blacks, where the residents continue to celebrate the history of their founding ancestors 200 years later.
Horton’s latest film, Saving San Domingo, co-produced with cinematographer David Harp and filmmaker Sandy Cannon Brown,
debuted recently by the Bay Journal on its website, www.bayjournal.com. It shares some of the history of the area and its current residents’ attempt to keep that history alive.
“I grew up 12 miles away and got around in my car and on my bike, and never came across San Domingo,” Horton said. “I never heard anyone mention the name. That was unusual to me. I grew up in a segregated area and time, and the story intrigued me.”
Founded by James Brown, whose grave and that of his wife are still tucked away in a wooded section of San Domingo, the area was once known as Robertson Swamp. The land was developed by its first residents, believed to be mariners from Haiti, and has been home a tightknit community ever since.
The original inhabitants are believed by some residents to have been part of Haiti’s anti-slavery insurrection from French colonists. They named their new home after Santo Domingo, where the insurrection occurred, so the story goes.
The film takes viewers through a series of interviews with residents of San Domingo and into the celebration of its bicentennial. Also explored are the differences between San Domingo’s traditions and those of Federalsburg, MD, where Horton grew up just a few miles away.
“I think any place that’s seen life and history persist in that way for 200 years, founded by free Blacks, that’s remarkable,” said Horton. “I didn’t think a lot of people, even in Wicomico County, knew about it. And you have a family, the Quintons, who are remarkable, actually seeking to keep their history alive.
“I’m glad we made the film I think it was important,” Horton continued. “I don’t think this film is by any means the final word on San Domingo. I don’t know what the future holds for this place. If the film helps them get the word out — you don’t make a film for that, but if it helps — that would be wonderful.”
An Eastern Shore native, Horton covered the environment for the Baltimore Sun for 35 years. He also has written nine books about the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. His accolades include the John Burroughs Award, one of the highest honors for nature writing.
For more information call 410-543-6030 or visit the SU website at www.salisbury.edu.