School Groups Explored "The UGRR Secret of the Quilts Exhibit"

Staff, students & parents were all encouraged by Teresa R. Kemp, exhibit curator to read posters,  view the photos and ask questions.  

They closely examined the African textiles, dolls, posters of symbols and their meaning in use since  3,000 BC.  

The students had fun as they tried to determine the uses of African artifacts 

found on our families farm in Southern America.

While half of the students did the UGRR Quilt Code Arts & Crafts Activity the other half explored the African & Plantation artifacts.

They read the documents that explained the original African meanings of what are now called the "UGRR Quilt Codes".

The groups had been asked to then look for the patterns in the quilts & artifacts on display.

We displayed many American abolitionist and methods of escapes used by Freedom Seekers. I had the copies of the Glynn County, GA Plantation wills from 1844 & in 1858 that name my ancestors, Peter & Eliza Farrow.  They were valued with other household articles 4 different times while they were enslaved.

In 1858, he purchased their freedom and the same year his son, Peter Farrow, Jr. was born. They continued to work as abolitionist to get others enslave in Southern America free.

Students, parents & visitors learned that slavery has been worldwide for centuries. 

They did not know that Polish people were enslaved for over
1300 years below ground in Salt Mines. 

Mrs. Kemp explained that even European people were kidnapped, sold and enslave in Europe and throughout the world.

European children, as well as adults were also enslaved in North America and not just indentured servants.

Many students did not know what a Sue Bonnet was or why it was used.

Mrs. Teresa Kemp demonstrated how it was worn for the students. The big hats covered shaved heads, ungroomed hair or brands that some former enslave people had.

  She then explained that the Sue Bonnets were given to the escaping former slaves so they would blend in with the affluent Freedman in the North.

Students & parents didn't know that some Africans & African-American people were free while others were enslaved in America. Native American tribes were enslaved and were also slave owners.