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Portland Freedom Trail to Commemorate First Year Anniversary with Two Events
June 26, 2008
CONTACT: Rachel Talbot Ross
(207) 874-8689 office
DATES:
Friday, July 11 & July 12
WHERE:
Friday, July 11 – Portland Museum of Art Auditorium
Saturday, July 12 – Various locations on the Portland peninsula
WHAT:
Maine Freedom Trails, Inc. in conjunction with the City of Portland, the University of Southern Maine Stonecoast M.F.A. Program and several other supporting organizations join together to host two events in commemoration of the first year anniversary of the Portland Freedom Trail.
Friday, July 11, 7 p.m.
Weaving History and Literature:
The African American Oral and Written Tradition
Nationally acclaimed authors will read excerpts from their work and discuss how African American history is revealed through the art of storytelling and literature. An authors’ reception and book signing accompany the program. For a complete list of authors, visit www.portlandfreedomtrails.org Suggested donation $10.
Saturday, July 12, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Portland Freedom Trail Unveiling & First Year Anniversary Celebration
The trail, currently comprised of thirteen marked sites, will grow to sixteen sites at dedication ceremonies to recognize people associated with the Underground Railroad and anti-slavery movement in Portland. Free and open to the public.
11 a.m. – Corner of Fore and Union Streets
Former home of Deacon Brown Thurston, which served as an Underground Railroad station and safe house for freedom seekers. Deacon Thurston was an anti-slavery activist.
12 p.m. - Corner of Congress and North Streets
One of the barbershops owned by Charles Frederick Eastman, an African American entrepreneur and anti-slavery activist.
1 p.m. - Corner of Hancock and Federal Streets
Former home of the Rev. Amos Noe Freeman, first called Reverend of the Abyssinian Church, and Christiana Williams Freeman, anti-slavery activists and station masters on the Underground Railroad.
A block party with traditional music, food and dance reflective of the African diaspora with a keynote address by four-time national poetry slam champion and author Patricia Smith will accompany the unveilings.
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