Ona Judge, Enslaved by the Washingtons and Self-emancipated

Ona Judge, Enslaved by the Washingtons and Self-emancipated

Ona Judge, who famously escaped slavery from the President’s house in Philadelphia while serving as a personal maid to Martha Washington, gained her freedom by fleeing to New Hampshire in 1796.  Despite multiple attempts by George Washington to recapture her, she remained free until her death in 1848, thus highlighting her act of resistance against slavery when such actions were incredibly rare and dangerous. 

Sonya Arroyo, speaker for The Black Heritage Trail in Portsmouth, will share her knowledge of Ona’s quest for freedom. Coordinator: Gayle Hylen (603) 659-2422