Living the Legacy
Events &
Projects
Bringing the story of Rev. Jacob Fontaine off the page and into the streets, cemeteries, and communities where he lived, preached, and published.
Mark Your Calendar
Upcoming Events
Indigenous Weekend Guided Tour
A special Indigenous Weekend edition of the Rev. Jacob Fontaine Quest Tour at Oakwood Cemetery. Join Dennis Jacob Berry for a guided walk honoring the intersecting histories of Austin's earliest communities — Indigenous peoples, freedmen, and the founders of Wheatville.
Guided Tour Experience
The Rev. Jacob Fontaine Quest Tour returns to Oakwood Cemetery for a full guided experience tracing the life, ministry, and legacy of Austin's pioneering Black pastor and publisher. Led by Dennis Jacob Berry, 5th generation grandson.
Guided Holiday Tour
Close out the year with a special holiday edition of the Quest Tour at Oakwood Cemetery. Reflect on the enduring legacy of Rev. Jacob Fontaine and the community he helped build — a meaningful way to honor Austin's Black history during the holiday season.
Ongoing Work
Active Projects
Gold Dollar Podcast
The Gold Dollar Podcast explores the untold stories of Rev. Jacob Fontaine and Austin's Black history. Hosted by Dennis Jacob Berry, each episode digs into primary sources, oral histories, and the living legacy of one of Texas's most consequential pioneers.
Watch on YouTubeRev. Jacob Fontaine Quest Tours
Guided historical tours of Austin's Wheatville neighborhood, Oakwood Cemetery, and the sites connected to Jacob Fontaine's life and work. Led by Dennis Jacob Berry, these tours bring the history to life on the very ground where it happened.
Register on EventbriteQuest AR Experience
Step into the world of Rev. Jacob Fontaine through augmented reality. The Quest AR Experience brings the history of Wheatville, the Gold Dollar newspaper, and Austin's Reconstruction-era Black community to life — accessible from anywhere, anytime.
Launch AR ExperienceHistorical Research & Documentation
Ongoing archival research into the life of Jacob Fontaine, the Austin Gold Dollar newspaper, and the Wheatville community. The project draws on records from the Austin History Center, Texas State Library, and family oral histories spanning five generations.
Community Partnerships
Collaborations with Austin schools, libraries, and cultural institutions to bring Jacob Fontaine's story into classrooms and public programming. If your organization is interested in partnering, we welcome the conversation.
Get InvolvedA Record of Work
Past Highlights
2025
Oakwood Cemetery Commemoration
Annual gathering at Jacob Fontaine's gravesite honoring his life and contributions to Austin.
2024
Austin History Center Presentation
Dennis Jacob Berry presented new findings on the Gold Dollar newspaper and Wheatville's founding to Austin historians and community members.
2023
Juneteenth Heritage Walk
A special Juneteenth edition of the Quest Tour drew over 60 participants through historic East Austin.
"The history of Jacob Fontaine is not just a family story — it is Austin's story, and it deserves to be told in full."
Dennis Jacob Berry — 5th Generation Grandson
Join the Work
Be Part of the Legacy
Whether you want to attend an event, partner on a project, or share what you know about Jacob Fontaine's story — we want to hear from you.