08/14/2026
In 1781, Elizabeth Freeman, whose successful court case was instrumental in ending slavery in Massachusetts, became the first enslaved person to secure their freedom under the Massachusetts Constitution. This spring, MassArt students explored her legacy through illustration.
In a collaboration initiated by MassArt’s Center for Art and Community Partnerships, students in Professor Irena Roman’s "Illustration for the Community" course partnered with The Du Bois Freedom Center, traveling to Great Barrington, MA and engaging with scholars to bring new perspectives to Freeman’s story and honor her strength, courage, and pursuit of freedom through illustration.
The students’ work is being shared in two ways this summer: “Elizabeth Freeman: Reimagined,” an exhibition featuring illustrations by all 16 participating MassArt students, and a permanent historical display and interactive storytelling kiosk at Great Barrington Town Hall, created with scholars from the Du Bois Freedom Center and UMass Amherst, that tells the story of Freeman’s life, historic court case, and enduring legacy.
Join the Du Bois Freedom Center on August 22 at 3 p.m. at the Great Barrington Town Hall for the kiosk unveiling, and visit "Elizabeth Freeman: Reimagined," on view through October 30.
Learn more about the partnership, exhibition, and unveiling event: https://www.duboisfreedomcenter.org/elizabeth-freeman-exhibit
Selected illustrations by: Abby Glover, Sunny Sunnerberg, Kobe Christie, Toma Sargsyan, and Kylie Lutchman. Photos from field trip to the Du Bois Freedom Center by Elena Belle White.
