Running Scared, Running Free The Manor; Three Centuries at a Slave Plantation on Long Island
(Stony Brook, NY) In honor of Black History Month Long Islanders can truly celebrate the meaning of freedom. The Ward Melville Heritage Organization will host two powerful and informative events this February.
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Back by popular demand, Running Scared, Running Free: Escape to the Promised Land offers riveting live theatrical performances about the power of the human spirit as the movement of escaping slaves from the south to Long Island and north to Canada is portrayed. This St. George Production is set in the 1800s and is told through the eyes of “Dorcas,” a fleeing female slave. The production shows how Native Americans, the Shinnecocks, Quakers as well as free Blacks and Abolitionists assisted in the Underground Railroad through the fascinating use of secret codes in quilts as a vital means of communication.
Performances run February 4 through March 14 by appointment at 10 am and Noon. General Admission is $12 pp (adults); $12 per student (up to 35 students); $8 per student (over 35 students) Distance Learning and In-school performances are also available and the program is aligned to meet National and New York State Common Core Standards and is BOCES Arts-in-Education reimbursable. There is a special Friday evening performance open to the general public February 21 at 7 pm and the cost is $15 pp person including refreshments.
Dessert from The South: Robert E. Lee’srange Pie & Tea
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The Manor: Three Centuries at a Slave Plantation on Long Island will be another fascinating event on February 9 from 2 pm to 4 pm. Acclaimed author and historian Mac Griswold tells the story of Shelter Island’s Sylvester Manor, the plantation founded in the 17th century and occupied by 11 generations. Hear about the hidden vault which included correspondence from Thomas Jefferson as well as the “slave staircase” and its connection to northern slavery. Based on years of archival and field research, as well as voyages to Africa, the West Indies, and Europe, The Manor is an investigation into forgotten lives and a sweeping drama that captures our very own Long Island history. This is a free event and includes refreshments.
Both events take place at WMHO’s Educational & Cultural Center, 97P Main Street in Stony Brook Village.
For further information call 631-689-5888 or visit www.stonybrookvillage.com
