February BOOK CLUB ~ Soul City

 “NC History Between the Lines”- A Local History Book Club

FEBRUARY 2026 ~ BLACK HISTORY

Soul City: Race, Equality, and the Lost Dream of an American Utopia by Thomas Healy (2021)

This book tells the little-known story of an ambitious 1970s project to build a majority black economically self-sustaining city in rural Warren County, NC. Backed initially by the federal government, “Soul City” was envisioned as a place where black Americans could thrive free from discrimination and economic exclusion. The hopeful beginning, political and racial backlash, and economic challenges are explored with the larger lessons about race, opportunity, and the limits of reform in America.

The Chatham County Historical Museum invites you to join NC History Between the Lines, a monthly book club exploring our local area’s rich past through engaging reads that connect with historical themes. We’ll meet on the third Saturday of each month at 9:30 am at the museum for lively discussion and conversation.

Each month’s selection will reflect our rotating historical focus. Whether you’re a lifelong history lover or simply curious about the people and events that shaped our area, we would love for you to join us. Come read, learn, and share your perspectives as we connect our local stories to the larger sweep of American history.

Sign up here for the Saturday, February 21, 2026 session where we will discuss Soul City. Participation is free and you are welcome to bring friends.   

Questions: Volunteers@chathamhistory.org