★
Special Event
Event
“Escape to Freedom” hosted by the Contraband Historical Society
This event has already occurred. This page is provided for reference only.
Fee:
Free.Location: LAT/LONG: 37.002703, -76.307623
Chapel of the Centurion 157 Bernard Road Fort Monroe, VA 23651
Dates & Times
Date:
Saturday, May 18, 2024
Time:
7:00 PM
Duration:
1 hour and 30 minutes
Type of Event
Partner Program
Description
The Contraband Historical Society of Hampton, Virginia, will hold its annual commemoration of the "Contraband Decision" of 1861. In partnership with the Fort Monroe Authority, the Contraband Histrorical Society will bring together “Contraband” descendants with historical reenactors and extraordinary local musical talent. We’ll explore the most recent and exciting "Contraband" research and have a short preview of the documentary: The Gate: The Untold Story of America’s First Contraband, currently in development.
This event will take place at the historic Chapel of the Centurion, 157 Bernard Road at Fort Monroe, and will pay tribute to the first three enslaved men to become "Contraband," Frank Baker, Shepard Mallory, and James Townsend to self-emancipate there in May of 1861. Their actions inspired US Major General Benjamin Franklin Butler to make an unprecedented decision to grant them sanctuary. As a result, Fort Monroe and Hampton became the first “safe” destination for thousands of enslaved people in their fight for freedom during the American Civil War.
Come hear more about this often-overlooked piece of American history and about Contraband Historical Society’s many new initiatives to bring the ancestors’ histories into the light.
The May 18th program is free, open to the public, and will include:
● A historical reenactment of the 1861 "Contraband Decision" at Fort Monroe
● Historian Dr. William Wiggins will tell the story of recently discovered Contraband and US Army soldier Nelson Ballard, who is buried in Hampton.
● Musical performances by Jonah’s Run and the Western Branch High School Chorus under the direction of Choral Director Robin Duncan.
● A short preview of the documentary in development, "The Gate: The Untold Stories of America’s First Contrabands"
IF YOU FIND YOU CAN NOT PARTICIPATE IN-PERSON PLEASE JOIN VIA ZOOM.
TOPIC: “ESCAPE TO FREEDOM” CONTRABAND COMMEMORATION 2024
TIME: MAY 18, 2024 | 7 PM ET | HTTPS://US02WEB.ZOOM.US/J/83860716768
TOPIC: “ESCAPE TO FREEDOM” CONTRABAND COMMEMORATION 2024
TIME: MAY 18, 2024 | 7 PM ET | HTTPS://US02WEB.ZOOM.US/J/83860716768
CONTACT: Phillip Adderley, President, Contrabandhs@gmail.com, 757 868-4782 or Cynthia Harges 757 573-2888