About the book
As the companion to the exhibition, Fighting for Freedom places Black craftspeople at the forefront of American history, from before the Revolutionary War through the Civil War and beyond Reconstruction. Delving into diverse narratives of creativity, resilience, and triumph in the quest for freedom, this book underscores the evolution of freedom through the lens of material culture—by exploring how the very concept of freedom was shaped and redefined by enslaved and free craftspeople who relentlessly fought for their rights and the recognition of their humanity.
Featuring ten essays by leading historians, museum curators, and material culture scholars and more than seventy color photographs of Black artistry, including paintings, metalwork, woodwork, pottery, and furniture, this book vividly illustrates how Black men and women persistently sought tangible expressions of liberty which have endured as symbols of their creators’ legacies in the ongoing struggle for freedom.
Contributors include Lauren Applebaum, Robell Awake, Lydia Blackmore, Aleia M. Brown, R. Ruthie Dibble, Philippe L. B. Halbert, Jennifer Van Horn, Alexandra Alevizatos Kirtley, and Susan J. Rawles.
Exhibition dates:
Daughters of the American Revolution Museum (Washington, DC): March 28, 2025-December 31, 2025
Gibbes Museum of Art (Charleston, SC): Summer 2026-Spring 2027
Historic New Orleans Collection (New Orleans, LA): Summer/Fall 2027
Tennessee State Museum (Nashville, TN): Winter/Spring 2028
Museum of the Shenandoah Valley (Winchester, VA): Summer/Fall 2028
Editions of Fighting for Freedom
- AltFormat
- ISBN 9781469686257
- EBook
- ISBN 9781469683164
- PDF
- ISBN 9781469686264
Read an Excerpt
As the companion to the exhibition, Fighting for Freedom places Black craftspeople at the forefront of American history, from before the Revolutionary War through the Civil War and beyond Reconstruction. Delving into diverse narratives of creativity, resilience, and triumph in the quest for freedom, this book underscores the evolution of freedom through the lens of material culture—by exploring how the very concept of freedom was shaped and redefined by enslaved and free craftspeople who relentlessly fought for their rights and the recognition of their humanity.
Featuring ten essays by leading historians, museum curators, and material culture scholars and more than seventy color photographs of Black artistry, including paintings, metalwork, woodwork, pottery, and furniture, this book vividly illustrates how Black men and women persistently sought tangible expressions of liberty which have endured as symbols of their creators’ legacies in the ongoing struggle for freedom.
Contributors include Lauren Applebaum, Robell Awake, Lydia Blackmore, Aleia M. Brown, R. Ruthie Dibble, Philippe L. B. Halbert, Jennifer Van Horn, Alexandra Alevizatos Kirtley, and Susan J. Rawles.
Exhibition dates:
Daughters of the American Revolution Museum (Washington, DC): March 28, 2025-December 31, 2025
Gibbes Museum of Art (Charleston, SC): Summer 2026-Spring 2027
Historic New Orleans Collection (New Orleans, LA): Summer/Fall 2027
Tennessee State Museum (Nashville, TN): Winter/Spring 2028
Museum of the Shenandoah Valley (Winchester, VA): Summer/Fall 2028
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Fighting for Freedom about?
As the companion to the exhibition, Fighting for Freedom places Black craftspeople at the forefront of American history, from before the Revolutionary War through the Civil War and beyond Reconstruction. Delving into diverse narratives of creativity, resilience, and triumph in the quest for freedom, this book underscores the evolution of freedom through the lens of material culture—by exploring how the very concept of freedom was shaped and redefined by enslaved and free craftspeople who relentlessly fought for their rights and the recognition of their humanity.
Featuring ten essays by leading historians, museum curators, and material culture scholars and more than seventy color photographs of Black artistry, including paintings, metalwork, woodwork, pottery, and furniture, this book vividly illustrates how Black men and women persistently sought tangible expressions of liberty which have endured as symbols of their creators’ legacies in the ongoing struggle for freedom.
Contributors include Lauren Applebaum, Robell Awake, Lydia Blackmore, Aleia M. Brown, R. Ruthie Dibble, Philippe L. B. Halbert, Jennifer Van Horn, Alexandra Alevizatos Kirtley, and Susan J. Rawles.
Exhibition dates:
Daughters of the American Revolution Museum (Washington, DC): March 28, 2025-December 31, 2025
Gibbes Museum of Art (Charleston, SC): Summer 2026-Spring 2027
Historic New Orleans Collection (New Orleans, LA): Summer/Fall 2027
Tennessee State Museum (Nashville, TN): Winter/Spring 2028
Museum of the Shenandoah Valley (Winchester, VA): Summer/Fall 2028
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Fighting for Freedom?
The Arts > The visual, decorative or fine arts: treatments and subjects > History of art
Where can I read a sample of Fighting for Freedom?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781469686257
How long is Fighting for Freedom and how many pages does it have?
Fighting for Freedom has 176 page(s)
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Fighting for Freedom?
The University of North Carolina Press
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Fighting for Freedom is available as altformat(ISBN 9781469686257) and ebook(ISBN 9781469683164) and pdf(ISBN 9781469686264)
Where can I buy Fighting for Freedom online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Fighting for Freedom from below
Where can I buy Fighting for Freedom?