Representations of Slavery and Freedom: First Year Experience Historical Tour, 2017
Date
2017-09-18
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Delaware Library, Museums & Press
Abstract
This self-guided campus tour was offered from September 18 - October 20, 2017, in support of the First Year Common Reader, Colson Whitehead’s "The Underground Railroad." The Common Reader allows new students to engage in conversations about a shared text as they participate in themed programming across campus. The Library facilitated the FYE Historical Tour to introduce students to primary sources about slavery and abolition.
Description
Students used a map (linked below) to visit three locations and view artifacts from Special Collections and Museums. At Mechanical Hall Gallery, they saw photographs of former slaves taken in the early twentieth century. In the Library they viewed the “Delaware and the Underground Railroad” exhibit, which included a narrative written by Solomon Bayley, who was enslaved in Delaware. They also visited the Special Collections Exhibit Gallery to find a display about contemporary authors such as Whitehead who address slavery in fiction. At each location, they listened to mini-podcasts by the exhibit curators. The tour prompted students to reflect on how artists, novelists, and historians represent the legacy of slavery in the United States.
Musical Citations: “Follow the Drinking Gourd.” American Folk Song, collected by folklorist H. B. Parks, originally published by Texas Folklore Society – 1928, God’s Greatest Hits performance by Eric Bibb, Riddle Films Productions, 2013. “Solomon Bayley.” Interpretation of classic spiritual: “Amazing Grace” for the University of Delaware First Year Common Reader Historical Tour, Kris Raser, 2017. “Beloved.”University of Delaware First Year Common Reader Historical Tour, Kris Raser, 2017. “Henry Baker.” University of Delaware First Year Common Reader Historical Tour, Kris Raser, 2017.
Musical Citations: “Follow the Drinking Gourd.” American Folk Song, collected by folklorist H. B. Parks, originally published by Texas Folklore Society – 1928, God’s Greatest Hits performance by Eric Bibb, Riddle Films Productions, 2013. “Solomon Bayley.” Interpretation of classic spiritual: “Amazing Grace” for the University of Delaware First Year Common Reader Historical Tour, Kris Raser, 2017. “Beloved.”University of Delaware First Year Common Reader Historical Tour, Kris Raser, 2017. “Henry Baker.” University of Delaware First Year Common Reader Historical Tour, Kris Raser, 2017.