See also History--civil rights

General

From Slavery to Freedom, 1824-1909 - presents nearly 400 pamphlets written by African-Americans & others about slavery, emancipation, African colonization, Reconstruction, & related topics; materials range from personal accounts & public orations to reports & legislative speeches. Authors include Frederick Douglass, Charles Sumner, Mary Church Terrell, Booker T. Washington, & others.

Slavery and Abolition 24 publications written in the 19th century -- includes first-person accounts from former slaves, judicial opinions, abolitionist pieces, and more. (LOC)

Voices from the Days of Slavery: Former Slaves Tell Their Stories - features interviews with 23 former slaves, nearly 7 hours of recordings provide a glimpse of what life was like for slaves & freedmen. The former slaves discuss how they felt about slavery, slaveholders, their families, & freedom. Several sing songs they learned during their enslavement.

Slaves and the Courts, 1740 - 1860 - over 100 books and pamphlets on experiences of African and African-American slaves in American colonies and U.S. The documents, published between 1772 and 1889, include trial cases and proceedings, journals, and other documents of historical importance. A special presentation looks at the slave code for the District of Columbia. (Library of Congress)

Digital Archaeological Archive of Chesapeake Slavery - focuses on enslaved Africans & their descendants living in the Chesapeake region of Virginia during the colonial & antebellum periods. Analyze artifacts, deposits, & architectural plans from different sites, including Monticello, Mount Vernon, Stratford Hall, & Williamsburg. Join researchers from different disciplines to discover the cultural dynamics behind slavery & early Chesapeake society. (NEH)

Born in Slavery: Slave Narratives from Federal Writers' Project - presents 2,300 first-person accounts of slavery & 500 photographs of former slaves. (LOC)

Individuals and Events

The Frederick Douglass Papers - presents the papers of the 19th-century African-American abolitionist who escaped from slavery & risked his freedom by becoming an outspoken antislavery lecturer, writer, & publisher. (LOC)

Africans in America: Gabriel's Conspiracy - essay recounts the events surrounding the slave rebellion organized by African American leader Gabriel Prosser in 1799 and 1800. Includes links to related essays. Part of the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) "Africans in America." site.

America's Story: Harriet Tubman - biography and series of stories about the life of Harriet Tubman, "a runaway slave from Maryland who became known as the 'Moses of her people;'"essays describe Tubman's escape from slavery, her role as conductor of the Underground Railroad, and her work during the U.S. Civil War. {Library of Congress}

Nat Turner: A Troublesome Property - a companion website of a film that examines the story of Turner & his revolt & how that story has been re-told repeatedly since 1831. Turner, a slave & preacher in Virginia, led a slave rebellion that resulted in the murder of more than 50 slave owners & their family members. Learn about the impact of the rebellion & about the film & individuals who made it.