New Stage to Perform at the Old Capitol Museum 1/24

On Tuesday, January 24 from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m., the Old Capitol Museum will partner with New Stage Theatre on a performance that explores efforts before the Civil War to help escaped enslaved people make their way to free territory. Oh Freedom! The Story of the Underground Railroad will tell about the men and women active in the fight against slavery with songs of the period.

"Before the Civil Rights Movement, the Underground Railroad was the greatest collaboration against racism in American history," said New Stage Theatre Education Assistant Betty Wong. "Through it, northerners and southerners of all ethnic backgrounds came together to resist the oppression of slavery."

The performance will include portrayals of famous participants like Harriet Tubman and Harriet Beecher Stowe, but also lesser known heroes of the movement like John Rankin, whose house on a hill above the Ohio River was a beacon for freedom for many escaping bondage; the mysterious "Peg Leg" Joe, who moved among the plantations teaching slaves to escape and "Follow the Drinking Gourd," a song designed to show them the way; and Henry "Box" Brown, who had himself put in a box and mailed to freedom.

"This musical play is such an engaging way to bring to life these important stories from our nation's past," said Old Capitol Museum Director Lauren Miller. "We are doubly excited to offer this wonderful event to the public free of charge."

The performance will begin at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, January 24, in the historic House of Representatives Chamber in the Old Capitol, 100 South State Street. There is no charge to attend. Seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis. A reception will follow in the rotunda.