Fighting for Freedom, DAR Museum

About The Entry

Fighting for Freedom: Black Craftspeople and the Pursuit of Independence is a groundbreaking exhibition by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) that highlights the significant contributions of Black artisans during the Revolutionary era. Through extensive research and a collection of rare artifacts, the exhibition honors the skills and resilience of enslaved and free African Americans who played essential roles in shaping the foundations of the United States — both materially and ideologically.

Set against the turmoil of the American Revolution, the exhibition explores how Black craftspeople navigated life in colonial America, where their talents were highly sought after, even as their freedom was denied. These artisans used their craft to support the Patriot cause, assert autonomy, and pursue freedom.

Featuring a diverse array of objects — furniture, textiles, metalwork, tools, and personal items — the exhibition showcases the remarkable craftsmanship of many unnamed individuals. It tells stories of creative excellence and endurance, alongside documents revealing the connections between craft, labor, and the systems of slavery.

Visitors encounter personal stories that illuminate overarching themes like Makers and Masters, Freedom and Resistance, and Communities of Craft. Notable figures such as Moses Williams and James Forten exemplify the enduring legacy of Black craft.

Fighting for Freedom‘s emphasis on giving voice to the voiceless and its commitment to inclusive history challenges visitors to reconsider the meaning of freedom and the many contributions that shaped it.