Delaware made assisting slave escapes illegal, so participants had to be very clever about the Underground Railroad or risk getting caught. If caught, the penalty included a year in prison, a fine of $100, and being sold into slavery—a high price. Abolitionists sometimes managed to redeem the freedom of their compatriots by buying them off the slave market.
The museum in Wilmington tells the story of its black inhabitants through slavery and segregation, toys and fashion, music and art, and their struggle for equal rights. However, I feel the story isn’t complete yet because while the museum’s exhibits end in the 1960s, black people are still struggling with inequality today. Although the laws have changed over the decades, the lasting impact of past injustices still linger as real impacts.
The rest of the museum is focused on state history, such as its role in American independence and being the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution in 1787. The Swedes were the most prominent European settlers in the 17th century and preached Protestantism to the natives with translated teachings of Martin Luther. Delaware—Sweden, I never made that connection before. Other interesting displays include the state’s advertisement of its ideal position on the Atlantic coast being a factor for its former industrial might. As the saying goes Delaware makes, the world takes.
The museum’s prime location on Market Street means visitors can feel the history around them in context as they enter and exit the museum. It is even connected to the adjacent Old Town Hall by footbridge, a visit is included in the admission and couples can rent the building to get married in.
0 Comments