"Freedom On The Move: Rediscovering the Stories of Self-Liberating People" is a searchable database of fugitives of American Slavery. It is a collaboration of Cornell University, along with the University of Alabama, University of New Orleans, University of Kentucky, and Ohio State University.
Elizabeth “Mumbet” Freeman in Portland?!!
Many of us who have studied African American history in New England are familiar with Mum Bet, later to be known as Elizabeth Freeman. While enslaved to a family in Sheffield, Massachusetts in 1781, she was the first to challenge the new state constitution, which proclaimed that “all men are born free and equal.” … Continue reading Elizabeth “Mumbet” Freeman in Portland?!!
Patience Boston 1711-1735
Whenever I am working on The Prince Project (my database of people of color who were in Maine prior to 1800), I encounter many heart-wrenching stories. The accounts of abuse and the fights for freedom leave me breathless. So many preferred to face death rather than to remain enslaved. Others inspire me with their courage … Continue reading Patience Boston 1711-1735
The Prince Project
Prince. His name was Prince. Later in his life, he was often known to some as Prince McLellan, but his last moniker came later. For most of his life, and in death, he was just known as Prince. He had his singular name because he was enslaved. Just one name. They didn’t need a last name, … Continue reading The Prince Project