An original scripted reenactment brings history alive

Join Arlington Public Library and Arlington Historical Society for an original performance depicting an 1842 trial - Julia Roberts v. Austin Adams and Anne Harding - in which Julia Roberts, an enslaved woman, sues to win her freedom. Julia Sues for Freedom is a partnership between the Black Heritage Museum of Arlington and Guillotine Theatre, with the support of the Arlington Historical Society. 

Be part of the story, be part of the jury! We will be asking attendees to be part of the jury -- just let us know when you arrive.

Catherine Aselford is the Artistic Director of Guillotine Theatre, which presents classic plays and plays based on classic literature. She is a member of the Arlington Historical Society's Advisory Board. Catherine constructed this script based on original documents, notes on the testimony from the 1842 trial, and research by Jessica Kaplan, Zachary Newkirk, and the Memorializing the Enslaved in Arlington team.

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For more information contact LibraryPrograms@arlingtonva.us 

Julia to be memorialized with a Stumbling Stone: This spring (specific date to be determined), Memorializing the Enslaved in Arlington will be placing a stumbling stone in the Arlington Forest neighborhood to honor Julia Roberts and an 8-year-old boy whose name is unknown. They were enslaved at the farm of Anne Harding just before Julia made the courageous decision to sue for her freedom. Using the justice system, Julia proved she was a free woman and had been kept illegally enslaved by the Adams and Harding family. The fate of the 8-year-old boy is sadly unknown.

This program supports the Library's celebration of Arlington250.

• Location campus Central Library
• Audience:
  • Events for Adults
  • Events for High Schoolers
  • Events for Middle Schoolers
  • Good for Adults Age 55+
  • Good for Families
• Categories:
  • Arts & Culture
  • Business, Law & Money 
  • Civics & Government
  • History