Vermont Humanities

The War Before the War: Radical Abolition in Antebellum America

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Speakers Bureau

Image of abolitionist printA new wave of antislavery thinking swept the country in the 1830s as some churches demanded immediate emancipation of slaves and equal rights for free blacks.

In this illustrated lecture, historian and former Rokeby Museum director Jane Williamson presents the philosophies, strategies, and tactics of these abolitionists, compares their efforts with those of earlier abolitionists, and explores their impact on American society.

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About the Presenter

Talks by Jane Williamson

Image of Jesse

Finding Jesse: “A Fugitive from Slavery in Vermont”

This illustrated talk brings the narrative of one slave out of anonymity and explores his life and pursuit of freedom. It traces Jesse’s life from enslavement in North Carolina to freedom in Vermont.

Image of abolitionist print

The War Before the War: Radical Abolition in Antebellum America

Jane Williamson presents the philosophies, strategies, and tactics of the 1830s abolitionists who demanded immediate emancipation of slaves and equal rights for free blacks.

Vermont Humanities*** June 28, 2016