On Tuesday, September 24th at 6:30 P.M., the Kent Island Library invites interested adults and teens to attend a live performance of the Oney Judge Story as performed by historical re-enactor Nastassia Parker.
Oney Judge was born around 1773 on George Washington’s plantation, Mount Vernon. Upon hearing that she would be “gifted” to Mrs. Washington’s granddaughter as a wedding gift, Judge ran away. Her story, which was documented in several 19th century abolitionist newspapers, gives a look at what slavery was like in the Chesapeake region during the late 18th century.
The year is 1789, the Inner Harbor of Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Oney Judge has run away from the President’s house and has stowed away on a ship leaving for Portsmouth, NH. Afterwards, she stopped to rest at a nearby tavern before making her next move. She encounters a friendly face (the audience) and decides to recount her courageous story with the audience. Oney Judge will openly talk about her family life, slavery at Mount Vernon, and the imperative decision she made to ensure her freedom as well as the dangerous risks taken in order to achieve it.
Nastassia Parker has previously performed this role at Historic London Town and Gardens, the Benjamin Banneker Historical Park and Museum, and the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia, PA.
Please call the Kent Island Library at 410-643-8161 with any questions about this program.