The Life and Legacy of Reverend Josiah Henson

Celebrating Black History Month

Enslaved; Abolitionist; Methodist Preacher; Underground Railroad conductor; Founder of the Dawn Settlement; Entrepreneur; Author. Presented by the Josiah Henson Museum and Park in Montgomery County.

Josiah Henson, born into slavery and scarred by brutal abuse, overcame illiteracy and physical hardship to gain his freedom, learn to read, and become a Methodist preacher and community leader. A man of unwavering moral principles, he repeatedly returned to the United States via the Underground Railroad to help fugitives settle in Canada, founded the Dawn Settlement, and published an 1849 autobiography that inspired Uncle Tom’s Cabin. His story profoundly influenced the abolitionist movement; Abraham Lincoln even credited Henson’s narrative, alongside Uncle Tom, as a catalyst for the Civil War. Henson traveled internationally to raise funds, met Queen Victoria and U.S. President Hayes, and devoted his later years to advancing education until his death.

Questions about this program? Contact Connie Morella Library at 240-777-0970

Looking for more fun things to do at MCPL? click HERE.

Take a look at these resources for Black History Month.

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Library Program Attendance (both virtual and in the branch) is limited to participants within the suggested age range of the program. Children attending an MCPL program under the age of 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Adults attending a program intended for children must have an accompanying child.

If you plan to attend with a group of ten or more, please contact the branch at least one week before the program to discuss how your group might be accommodated.

Accommodation Requests

People who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing should request English-language captioning or sign-language interpretation at least five days before the library-sponsored program they plan to attend. Contact the Assistant Facilities and Accessibility Program Manager at 240-777-0002 with all other accommodation requests.

cm 1.1 01/03/2023

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