On Saturday, May 9, 2015, from 11 a.m.-5 p.m., the St. Louis region is invited to watch local history come alive at Missouri’s first nationally-recognized underground railroad site, the historic Mary Meachum Freedom Crossing. The event, titled The Great Jubilation, will commemorate the 150th anniversary of the abolition of slavery and the end of the Civil War in 1865. At the event, Alderman Dionne Flowers will also be giving out a $500 scholarship to an eligible applicant currently pursuing a degree in history.
Attendees are invited for a free celebration for all ages, featuring living history, music, and food and drinks for purchase. Event highlights will include the chance to meet Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln (among other historical figures), play games, listen to local choirs, check out a 19th century medicine show, don a costume to portray the valiant men of the 62nd and 65th regiments and experience historical reenactments of all kinds. Guests are welcome to come in 1865 attire or just as they are.
“The story of Mary Meachum has always mesmerizing to me and I look forward to celebrating both the 150th anniversary as well as a bright young student,” Alderman Flowers, who will be awarding the scholarship during the event program at 3:30 p.m. Students studying history at any institution of higher education can apply online before April 24 at www.marymeachum.org.
Event organizers will also honor historically black Lincoln University, which is located in Jefferson City and owes its founding to contributions made by the Black 62nd and 65th regiments organized at Benton Barracks, located on what is now known as Fairgrounds Park. There will be a free five-mile bike ride along the Mississippi River Greenway, courtesy of Great Rivers Greenway and Trailnet, at 11a.m. Riders may register upon arrival, beginning at 10:30 a.m.
The Mary Meachum Freedom Crossing site is located on the Mississippi River Greenway on the banks of the Mississippi River, just north of Merchant’s Bridge in North St. Louis City. The site commemorates the work of Mary Meachum, a free woman of color who helped guide many slaves to freedom by helping them to cross over to the free state of Illinois.
“We are excited to, along with the community, bring such an important part of our history back to life,” said Angela da Silva, Adjunct Professor at Lindenwood University and historical reenactor director for the event.
This event is free, and is a partnership of the Urban League, Great Rivers Greenway, the City of St. Louis, the National Black Tourism Network, the Historic Daniel Boone Home & Heritage Center, Youth and Family Center, the National Black Tourism Network, Lincoln University and Lindenwood University. Additional sponsors include David and Thelma Steward and the Office of Minority Health. For more information, visit www.MaryMeachum.org.
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