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Webquest Who's Who?
Emily Howland Teacher Friends Historical LibraryÝ Swarthmore College |
Emily Howland was one of the teachers in Freedman's Village as well as in a school in Fall's Church. |
Sojourner Truth-Sojourner Truth was both an abolitionist and a supporter of women's rights. She worked for over a year as a counselor at Freedman's Village in Arlington Heights, Virginia. An unlettered woman, she often traveled with her nephew who would help with her correspondence since she was illiterate. While at the village not only did she help the villagers learn basic housekeeping skills but she also helped them to stand up for their rights. There was a need for legislation regarding discrimination in public transportation. While Sojourner was a counselor at the village she pointed out the unfair treatment on the street car lines in 1864. Only one car on each track was reserved for the freed people of color. Many African Americans were also forced to stand. She complained to the president of the street railroad who eventually agreed to remove the Jim Crow car and allow black and white passengers to ride together. Each time she traveled to the city and was denied a ride, she spoke out and raised the issue of discrimination. She was an active agent in attempting to change an unfair system. However the rule was not enforced.
Secretary of State Seward-He and his family were big supporters of the village.Ý He, his wife and their daughter made frequent vists to the village to help the freedmen. In addtion, Seward brought foreign guests to the village. |
 Hon. William H.Ý Seward, Secretary of State Harper's Weekly June 17, 1865 . |
American Tract Society- a charitable and religious organization based in Boston Massachusetts that helped to run the village. The American Tract Society erected a school building in the village. Writing books and slates were donated by the society, which also supplied the teachers. Adult freedmen who trained in the carpenters' workshop of the Industrial School, made the double desks for the scholars. The subjects studied were similar to New England school curriculum of the period where students worked on spelling, writing, reading, and mental or written arithmetic along with other subjects. Through the work of various groups working in tandem including the freedmen, government and various charitable agencies, an education was available to some.
National Freedman's Relief Association
Sojourner Truth with Lincoln at the WhiteHouse LOC
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The National Freedman's Relief association sent workers such as Sojourner Truth to ease the suffering of the villagers and to help them with various challenges that they faced.
American Freedman's Inquiry- Commission lobbied long and hard for a governmental agency to aid the freedmen.
