Historic Alexandria to Host Remember the Pearl weekend at Freedom House Museum

Historic Alexandria to Host Remember the Pearl weekend at Freedom House Museum

The Edmonson sisters Mary and Emily were trafficked through Alexandria in the domestic slave trade after attempting to escape on the Pearl. One of the largest escape attempts in U.S. history, Freedom House Museum is hosting special activities as part of a regional commemoration in honor of the attempt of 77 enslaved people, including the Edmonson sisters, to seek freedom from the wharves of southwest D.C. in 1848.

On April 11 and 12, visitors can join docent-led discussions at Freedom House Museum during regular museum hours about the history of the Pearl and its impact on society. Visitors who mention "Remember the Pearl" will receive free admission.

As part of the weekend's reflection and dialogue, the public is warmly invited to gather for a special conversation on Saturday, April 11 from 10 - 11 a.m. This free conversation focuses on a Framework for Social Resistance. The Edmonson Sisters' story provides a historic example, while Mr. Earl Yates, part of the Social Justice Ministry of Shiloh Baptist Church in Washington, D.C., provides contemporary examples of the framework. Attendees will have time to reflect and apply the Framework to their own lives. Mr. Earl Yates has been a long-time member of the Social Justice Committee at Shiloh Baptist Church of Washington, D.C. He spent his career working with developing nations through the Peace Corp and USAID.

Visit Information
Freedom House Museum is located at 1315 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA. Museum hours are Thursdays & Fridays, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.; Saturdays, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.; and Sundays, 1 - 5 p.m.

Admission is $5 per adult and $3 per child (ages 5-12). Admission is free for City of Alexandria residents. Visitors who mention "Remember the Pearl" on April 11 and 12 will also receive free admission.

For reasonable disability accommodation, contact Nicole Quinn at [email protected] or call 703.746.4554, Virginia Relay 711.

If you prefer communication in another language, free interpretation and translation services are available to you, please email [email protected] or call 703-746-3960.

About the Office of Historic Alexandria

The Office of Historic Alexandria preserves and shares the history of the City of Alexandria with eight museums, historic sites, archives, archaeology, tours, exhibits and public programs. Through powerful storytelling and confronting the City's past, Historic Alexandria enriches the present and inspires the future. We enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors and serve as a partner in the City's equity and inclusion initiatives. For more information, visit alexandriava.gov/Historic.