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Suggested Itinerary to commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the Dred Scott Decision. Created by the Missouri Historical Society and the Dred Scott Heritage Foundation.


Summary of Decision


Past Gateway Articles

Dred Scott Portrait

MHS Discovery Tour (PDF)

Audio/Video Clips

MHS Home

Dred Scott Home


Missouri History Museum, Forest Park
The Missouri History Museum’s permanent exhibition, Seeking St. Louis is an exciting, state-of-the-art, interactive exhibition, which tells the history of the region from earliest times to the present. The exhibition explores how slavery and secession divided the city. Artifacts on view include uniforms, weapons, the painting “The Last Sale of Slaves” and a portrait of Dred Scott, whose famous trial foreshadowed the Civil War.

View the following documents related to Dred Scott's quest for freedom in the display case next to the Thomas Jefferson statue.

"No Land's Man"
Sunday, March 4, 2007
2:00 p.m.

Monday, March 5, 2007
10:00 a.m.
Lee Auditorium
Missouri History Museum

$5.00 General Admission
$3.00 Missouri Historical Society members
Tickets on sale now at the History Museum, or by calling (314) 361-9017

Written by Bill Harris Directed by Ron Himes The year 2007 marks the 150th anniversary of the Dred Scott Supreme Court decision. The theatrical performance takes us back to that moment in history as Dred and Harriet Scott ponder their legal struggle to become "free" citizens in the state of Missouri. Through the kindness of friends they momentarily step away from the courtroom drama of legal sparring and focus on the support they have from one another. "No Land's Man" is a touring show from St. Louis' Black Rep, the nation's largest, professional African-American theatre company.

Lynne M. Jackson

Lynne M. Jackson Remarks
March 6, 2007 marks the 150th anniversary of the Dred Scott decision. The original lawsuit was filed here in St. Louis and much of the city is commemorating the occasion. The great-great-great granddaughter of Dred and Harriet Scott is spearheading the local effort. (MP4.)

Discovery Tour: Dred Scott: Seeking Freedom
Saturday, March 31Discovery Tour Brochure

One hundred and fifty years ago the United States Supreme Court ruled that Dred Scott, and thus all African American slaves, had norights under the law. Scott, enslaved to a St. Louis family, originally filed his suit for his freedom here. Beginning with the Seeking St. Louisgallery “Reflections,” which features a section on urban slavery and the Dred Scott case, Linda Koenig, professional tour guide and former university teacher, will show you some of the sites imbued with the stories of this man who sought his freedom and in effect launched the Civil War. For more information about MHS Discovery Tours, or to reserve your tour please call 314 361-9017 or email reserv@mohistory.org.
Download the Brochure (PDF).

Books available at the MHS Louisiana Purchase Museum Gift Shop
Stop in, call or email to place your order: 314-454-3172, or send an e-mail to shop@mohistory.org

Dred Scott vs. Sandford: A Brief History with DocumentsBook: Dred Scott vs. Sandford: A Brief History with Documents
By Paul Finkelman                                                     $15.95

“In 1846 Dred Scott sued for his freedom in a St Louis court. Scott argued that for more than two years he had lived in the federal territories north of Missouri. Under the Compromise of 1820 these territories had been made free soil. Thus, having lived in a free jurisdiction, he became free, and once free, he was always free.

This book examines the decision by the Supreme Court that helped set in motion the events that in the end led to a new birth of freedom and the abolition of slavery in the United States. ”

St Martins Press
View larger image of book cover.

Two Men Before the Storm. Arba Crane’s Recollection of Dred Scott and the Supreme Court Case That Started the Civil War
By George J Wallance                                               $14.95Book: Two Men Before the Storm. Arba Crane’s Recollection of Dred Scott and the Supreme Court Case That Started the Civil War

“In the early 1850s, Arba Crane, a young Harvard Law School graduate from Vermont, arrives in St. Louis to begin his law career. Working alone late in the evenings, Crane forms an unusual friendship with the office janitor, a slave named Dred Scott. As Scott recounts his life as a slave, Crane realizes that Scott has a claim to freedom and persuades him to file a lawsuit. Thus a chain of events that ignites a political and firestorm across the nation.”

Greenleaf Book Group Press
View larger image of book cover.

 

Speak Right On: Dred Scott A Novel
By Mary E Neighbour              $24.95Book: Speak Right On: Dred Scott A Novel
   

Speak Right On, a fictional slave narrative, traces Scott’s journey from orphaned, destitute, illiterate slave to a man defining his own truth, sharing his story with all who will listen. Dred Scott’s strength of character, artful storytelling, and keen insights protect his family and result in ultimate victory.”

Toby Press
View larger image of book cover.

Museum Shop Hours: Tuesday: 10:00 am - 8:00 pm Wednesday - Monday: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Members receive a 10% discount on Museum Shop purchases every day.

2007 Wellston Historical Residency Program
The 2007 Wellston Historical Residency Program will focus on the Dred Scott case. Students will explore the significance of the case and relate it to their personal lives as citizens. An emphasis on personal freedoms and political rights will be maintained throughout the summer activities. Key educational components will be incorporated, such as in-depth journaling, critical reading, public speaking and other communication arts skills. The text for the program will be Nobody's Boy published by the Missouri Historical Society Press. It is the goal of the program to produce educated and empowered young people who are inspired by the tenacity of Dred Scott.

The dates are June 11th - July 13th. Students will primarily be at the Missouri History Museum and at the MHS Library and Research Center. A partner in the program, the National Park Service, will host two days at the Historic Old Courthouse. There will be field trips to the Black World History Museum, the Old Courthouse, the Thomas Eagleton Federal Courts Building, and other locations. Only Wellston students can participate in the program, but the community can support the program as guest speakers or by providing book donations. Interested parties should call Alex Bell at 314-361-8059, or email at abell@mohistory.org, about ways to support the program.

Last Updated: 4/6/07

 


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