Dred Scott Freedom Day Commemorated at the Historic Old Courthouse

Date: May 9, 2007
Contact: Bob Moore, 314-655-1600
Contact: Elisa Kunz, 314-655-1600

HERE:  Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, Historic Old Courthouse at 11 North Fourth Street in downtown St. Louis, Missouri. 

WHEN:   May 26, 2007, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

WHAT:  On May 26, 1857, Dred and Harriet Scott, after eleven years of trials and an infamous Supreme Court decision, finally had a reason to celebrate, for on that day

St. Louisan Taylor Blow paid their freedom bonds at the Historic Old Courthouse. To celebrate this momentous day, Jefferson National Expansion Memorial is hosting a special commemorative ceremony, recognizing students who have crafted stories about the African-American experience, changes and challenges of the last 150 years.

10:00 a.m. - Carr Lane Performing Arts Middle School, encore performance of a Dred Scott Pageant

11:10 a.m. - Sarah Fullerton, History Day Performer, program on Vivian Thomas

11:30 a.m. - Emily Hall, History Day Documentary on the Dred Scott Decision

12:00 p.m. - Nancy Hoppe and Chris Anibal, performance of the Blow Family story

1:00 p.m. - Dred Scott Trial Reenactment Program (with visitors playing the roles)

WHY:   The Historic Old Courthouse was the scene of the suit of Dred and Harriet Scott for their freedom, which resulted in the 1857 Supreme Court decision that helped spark the Civil War. The National Park Service is spotlighting this heritage during this 150^th year of the Dred Scott Decision through exhibits, films, programs and special events. The new film Slavery On Trial: The Dred Scott Decision will be shown each half hour, and the exhibit Freedom’s Struggle: The Underground Railroad along the Ohio River in Kentucky and Indiana, will be on view in the rotunda.