One Minute's Freedom: The Story of Mum Bett

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Two Family Performances by Storyteller Tammy Denease

Saturday, May 31, 2014 - 11:00 a.m. & 3:00 p.m.

“One Minute’s Freedom" will introduce school-aged children to the brave woman who helped end slavery in Massachusetts.  Story-teller Tammy Denease brings to life Elizabeth Freeman – a remarkable heroine known as Mum Bett – who successfully sued for freedom from slavery in western Massachusetts in 1781.

Mum Bett was known for having the courage to speak what was in her heart and to stand up for those who could not stand for themselves. “Anytime, anytime while I was a slave, if one minute’s freedom had been offered to me, and I had been told I must die at the end of that minute, I would have taken it – just to stand one minute on God’s airth [earth] a free woman – I would.”

Co-sponsored by Historic New England, this special program for children ages 7 and up is supported ​in part by a grant from the Medford Arts Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.  Each performance will last approximately 45 minutes.

These programs will be held in conjunction with the Royall House and Slave Quarters' annual Community Open House.  The mansion and slave quarters will be open to visitors from 12-3 p.m.

Please note:  Admission is free, but registration is required.  Email Programs@RoyallHouse.org with a contact name and phone, number of tickets, and which performance you plan to attend.  Or register online here. 

Photo by David Burk, Old Sturbridge Village.