About The Legacy of Elizabeth Freeman

Step into a pivotal chapter of American history on this guided tour of the Col. John Ashley House— where Elizabeth “Mum Bett” Freeman was enslaved before she boldly sued for her freedom and helped end slavery in Massachusetts.

As you explore this 18th-century home, you’ll learn about Freeman’s remarkable life, from her time in bondage to her groundbreaking court case in 1781, which set a legal precedent for the abolition of slavery in the Commonwealth. Discover how Revolutionary-era ideals of liberty and justice, including those spoken by her enslaver, Colonel Ashley, inspired Freeman to fight for those rights for herself. Through Freeman’s story, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the legal, cultural, and moral transformations that shaped the early republic.

Due to limited space, preregistration is required.

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