Virginia Historical Society
Virginia Historical Society: The Home Front: Who Freed the Slaves?
Describes how the Emancipation Proclamation of 1863 came into existence, the response from the South, and the impact it had. Three works of art from that period are presented, and the imagery and symbolism explained.
PBS
Pbs Africans in America: Venture Smith
This website briefly describes the life of a captured slave, Venture Smith. He is a legend for his size and his feat of buying his and his family's freedom.
PBS
Africans in America: Phillis Wheatley
This website briefly describes the life of Phillis Wheatley, poetess and freed slave.
Emory University
Lewis H. Beck Center: Child, Lydia Maria: Charity Bowery
Download and read Lydia Maria Child's "Charity Bowery," originally written in 1839, which tells the story of a freed slave's choices as she is allowed to take only one of her children out of slavery.
Library of Virginia
Virginia Memory: Manumission Petition for James Lafayette
For what service during the American Revolution was James Lafayette awarded his freedom? Students investigate what events led to James Lafayette, a slave, winning his freedom.
Library of Virginia
Virginia Memory: Gilbert Hunt and the Richmond Theater Fire
A lesson about the Richmond Theater Fire in 1811. Many perished in the fire. Those who were saved were helped from inside by Dr. James McCaw, who dropped them from a window to Gilbert Hunt, who caught them enough to break their fall. The...
Library of Congress
Loc: America's Story: Phillis Wheatley, Poet
A brief look at the fascinating life of African American poet, Phillis Wheatley. Provides two portraits, and a sample page from Wheatley's collection of poems.
The History Cat
The History Cat: Us History: The Buffalo Soldiers
Describes the history of the Buffalo Soldiers, African Americans who served in four Calvary peacetime units in the 19th and 20th centuries. Highlights the experiences of Emanuel Stance, a freed slave who joined the military in 1866.
Other
Women in History: Phillis Wheatley
This fact sheet provides dates and details about the life and work of the poet Phillis Wheatley.