Rhode Island’s Most Notorious Slave Trader, James DeWolf, subject of lecture at Linden Place Mansion
June 19, 2014 |
Over thirty thousand slaves were brought to the shores of colonial America on ships owned and captained by James DeWolf. When the United States took action to abolish slave trading, this Bristol native manipulated the legal system and became actively involved in RI politics in order to pursue his trading ventures. From serving in the RI House of Representatives to the US Senate, James DeWolf amassed political power that allowed him to evade persecution from authorities for continuing the trading of slaves after the passage of the Federal Slave Trade Act in 1808, even on counts of murder.
Author and historian Cynthia Mestad Johnson has uncovered the secrets of James DeWolf and the unsettling and often overlooked story of corruption and exploitation in 19th century Rhode Island. Johnson will present her research, which led to the recent publication of her book “James DeWolf and the Rhode Island Slave Trade”, in the Linden Place ballroom. The talk will be followed by a book signing.
This lecture, which is co-sponsored by Linden Place and the Bristol Historical and Preservation Society, will take place on Thursday, June 19 at 7:00 PM. Copies of Johnson’s book will be available for sale. Admission is free for Linden
Place and BHPS members and $5 for non-members. Reservations are recommended.
Please call the Linden Place office at 401-253-0390 or e-mail at info@lindenplace.org for more information or to make reservations.
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Website:
lindenplace.org |
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| Location Information |
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Linden Place Mansion |
500 Hope Street
Bristol, RI 02809 |
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| Contact Information |
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Susan Battle |
| Email:
sbattle@lindenplace.org |
| Phone:
401-253-0390 |
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