What family and community is represented in two Smithsonian museums with material from the 19th, 20th and 21st century? The answer emerges from a new book by speakers Gerald McWorter (Abdul Alkalimat) and Kate Williams-McWorter. Established in 1836, New Philadelphia was the first town founded by African Americans. It was an abolitionist village 20 miles from slavery in Missouri. "Free Frank" McWorter purchased 16 family members out of slavery and led his community in a prolonged struggle for freedom. Oral history, family documents, official archives, and years of historical and archaeological research support and document this. New Philadelphia is today a recognized station on the Underground Railroad and is under study to become a national park. What was this modern-day campaign like, and who led it? New Philadelphia is a model for modern day scholarship in African-American studies, archaeology, and history.

Watch the recording of the presentation on New Philadelphia, as told by a descendant of the founder of the town. 

This discussion was sponsored by the Department of Anthropology and the African American Studies program.