Dr. Spencer Crew discussed how Freedmans Village was established and succeeded, its impact on those who lived in it, and its role in American history.

Established by the U.S. Government in 1863, Freedman’s Village was designed to protect, educate, and employ formerly enslaved African Americans. The residents created a thriving community with a school, churches, and an infirmary. The population of Freedman’s Village fluctuated throughout its almost 40 years, but averaged about 1000 people. The US government closed it in 1900.

Dr. Spencer Crew

Dr. Spencer R. Crew is the Clarence J. Robinson Professor of History at George Mason University and Emeritus Director of the National Museum of African American History and the National Museum of American History. Previous to his tenure at George Mason University, he served as president of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center for six years and worked at the National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution for twenty years. Nine of those years, he served as the director. He most recently served as the interim Director at the National Museum of African American History and Culture. At each of these institutions, he sought to make history accessible to the public through innovative and inclusive exhibitions and public programs. Dr. Crew has published extensively in the areas of African American and Public History as well as curated numerous exhibitions the most recent one at the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

This video is a recording of an AHS hosted free monthly event held on February 9, 2023. The video runs for 52 minutes and 14 secs.