With Ilyon Woo & Lynne Zacek Bassett

The story of Ellen and William Craft’s dramatic escape from slavery in 1848 is the subject of Ilyon Woo’s new book.

On their journey, Ellen Craft disguised herself as a wealthy, disabled, male planter, while William Craft played the role of her slave.

To ensure accuracy, Dr. Woo worked with clothing historian Lynne Zacek Bassett about the particulars of what the couple wore. Together they will discuss the significance of clothing to the Crafts’ successful self-emancipation. Examples from the Historic Northampton collection of the types of clothing that they wore will be on display. Dr. Woo will also read from the book.

The program will be introduced and moderated by Dr. Elizabeth Pryor, Associate Professor of History at Smith College.