Community Calendar

Pejepscot History Center celebrates

Songs of the Abolitionists
with Katherine Rhoda

Friday, October 6th at 4pm

at United Baptist Church, 1 Elm Street, Topsham, Maine

The movement to abolish slavery in the United States gave rise to a wealth of songs to support the cause. As with songs for women’s suffrage and those of other social movements, new lyrics for abolition songs were often set to familiar tunes. A number of songsters were created to share them. Some lyrics appeared in abolitionist periodicals, and sheet music was also published.

One such voice was William Wells Brown, who himself escaped slavery and went on to become a conductor on the Underground Railroad, and a noted lecturer. He compiled three editions of The Anti-Slavery Harp: A Collection of Songs for Anti-Slavery Meetings.

Maine folk musician-historian, Katherine Rhoda‘s engagement with this music began with a gig at western Maine historical landmark Parsonsfield Seminary and her desire to highlight its role as a way station on the Underground Railroad. In this program, she will perform some of these songs as well as share the fruits of her research, prioritizing Black voices and pointing listeners to resources for learning more.

The program takes place at the United Baptist Church, 1 Elm Street, Topsham, Maine.

Tickets: $8 PHC Members; $12 General Admission

Book by calling 207.729.6606 or visiting https://pejepscothistorical.org/event/songs-of-abolitionists/ 

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