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Genealogy Club

Antebellum Migration of Free Persons of Color

In this lecture, you'll learn how personal and legal issues shaped the migration of free people of color in the United States during the antebellum period. Presented by Denyce Peyton.

During the antebellum period, free people of color in the United States experienced significant migration patterns, often driven by the desire for greater freedom and opportunity. While many remained in the South, particularly in urban areas, a notable number migrated north, seeking refuge from slavery's oppressive reach and pursuing economic advancement. In this lecture, you will learn how migrations were shaped by both personal choices and legal restrictions, with some free people of color establishing dual households or even returning to the South at a later date.

This program is part of our "Freedom For All" genealogy series, highlighting records, resources and untold stories for the America 250 commemoration.

This program is a Zoom webinar. A link to the webinar and a handout will be sent one day before the event. A reminder email will be sent an hour before the event.

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