Stories of Freedom

Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.

— Harriet Tubman (1822-1913), an American icon of courage and freedom 

Nicknamed “Moses,” Harriet Tubman escaped as a slave from the Eastern Shore of Maryland and returned 13 times to lead expeditions to freedom. She said, “I was a conductor of the Underground Railroad for eight years, and I can say what most conductors can’t say; I never ran my train off the track and I never lost a passenger.”

Hear more about this remarkable woman from actress Cynthia Maddox who will stage a living history performance from 2 to 3 p.m. on Sat., March 28, at the Edgewater Library. A sponsorship opportunity is available for this program. 

Tubman’s story of freedom is recounted in the 2019 movie, “Harriet.” It will be shown at the Edgewater Library at 2 p.m. on Monday, March 23.

Both events will be held in the Betty A. Barclay Community Room on the second floor of the Edgewater Branch Library. See our calendar for more about each event.

“Middle Passage,” currently performing at Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood tells another story of freedom. Find out what happens when a newly freed Illinois slave in 1830 New Orleans stows away aboard an outbound rigger that turns out to be a slave ship bound for Africa.

Through a Friends of the Edgewater Library partnership with Lifeline, discounted tickets to the 4 p.m. performance of “Middle Passage” on Sunday, March 15, followed by a discussion with the director are available for $30 until March 8. Purchase tickets online or call the box office at (773) 761-4477 and mention “Friends of Edgewater.”

Join Friends of the Edgewater Library throughout March to celebrate Black History (February) and Women’s History (March) months. Programs are sponsored by Friends in partnership with the Edgewater Branch Library.