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An American History Symposium

"Remembering Oney Judge" will be the subject of a symposium on Saturday, May 17, at Strawbery Banke Museum’s Education Center on Hancock Street, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Cheryl LaRoche, the keynote speaker, will describe her scholarly research of life at George Washington’s presidential headquarters in Philadelphia, including a discussion of slavery and the escape of Oney.

LaRoche also will lead a roundtable discussion with Sandi Clark and Chester Buckley, local artists who have been interpreting Oney’s story, and Valerie Cunningham, historic preservationist. Teachers are invited to participate.

Sandi Clark, theatrical producer, director and actor, Sandi Clark, presented a stage adaptation of Oney’s story at the Mill Pond Center last October. Audiences agreed that "Thirst for Freedom" proved to be the exception to the rule that local history makes dull theater. According to Clark, "This is the kind of story that heals, a story with simple heroes in a complex era...surrounded by centuries of racism and forgiveness...[an] emotional feast."

Chester Buckley, local comic book creator and illustrator, will preview his interpretations of Oney’s experience. Each of these presentations draws from the historical documentation provided by Evelyn Gerson, a former UNH student, in her master’s thesis on Ona Marie Judge Staines.

Ona was a body servant of Martha Washington, sewing and attending to her needs in the presidential home located, in 1796, in Philadelphia. Ona escaped and made her way to Portsmouth when she learned that Martha had arranged for her granddaughter to inherit Ona upon Martha’s death. As Ona helped the Washingtons to pack for their return to Virginia, she was packing in preparation to escape.

When Ona arrived in Portsmouth, she was recognized by John Langdon’s daughter. The Langdon’s had means and influence, and they struggled with their conscience as President Washington demanded the return of Martha’s runaway slave.

The symposium is free and open to the public, handicap accessible, sponsored by the Center for New England Culture and the Portsmouth Black Heritage Trail. For more information contact pbhtrail@aol.com or 603-431-2768