Apalachicola Center for History, Culture, and Art Announces New Exhibit Journey to Freedom: The Odyssey of Abolitionist Moses Roper Opening Reception Tonight!

NEWS Exploring the Past, Present, and Future of Downtown Apalachicola Apalachicola Center for History, Culture, and Art Announces New Exhibit Journey to Freedom: The Odyssey of Abolitionist Moses Roper  Opening Reception Tonight! Photo by Ali Valenzuela The Apalachicola Center for History, Culture, and Art is pleased to announce a new exhibit, Journey to Freedom: The Odyssey of Abolitionist Moses Roper.  The exhibit chronicles the remarkable story of Moses Roper, who was once enslaved on an Apalachicola steamboat but escaped slavery in a 500-mile journey of survival across north Florida and south Georgia in the summer of 1834. After arriving in Savannah, Georgia, he sailed to New York and later to England where he became an author, lecturer, and prominent figure in the abolitionist movement. The exhibit includes interpretive panels, digital interactive maps, and an 1840 edition of Roper’s autobiography. Funding was provided by grants from Florida Humanities, Duke Energy Foundation, George E. Weems Memorial Hospital, and donations from several individuals. “Moses Roper’s incredible story has been largely forgotten for almost 200 years,” said HCA Board Chair Valentina Webb, “This exhibit shines a light on our diverse history, and we are proud to present it to the community and to our visitors from around the world.”   Attend the Opening Reception An opening reception will be held on Thursday, September 30 from 5:30-7:00 p.m. Admission is free, and the public is invited to attend. There will be a brief talk about Roper’s connection to Apalachicola and his escape from slavery.  The doors across the front of the building will be open, and guests are invited to drift between indoors and outdoors to view the exhibit, engage in conversation, and enjoy hors d’oeuvres. Located at 86 Water Street, the Apalachicola Center for History, Culture, and Art is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Throughout the year, the Center hosts regional and national artist exhibits, events, films, lectures, art classes, workshops, cultural events, historic exhibits, and a variety of programs for children and adults. The Executive Director is Ali Valenzuela. For more information, please call the HCA at (850) 653-1458, email info@apalachicolahca.com, or visit www.apalachicolahca.com. The title page to Roper's fugitive slave narrative. A copy of his 1840 edition is part of the exhibit.

The exhibit was made possible with financial support from: Our Mission   Apalachicola Main Street, Inc. was established in 2011 as part of the Florida Main Street and National Main Street networks. Apalachicola Main Street’s mission is to enhance the downtown district of Apalachicola with sound economic development that promotes a sustainable future while preserving the district’s historical significance and commitment to quality of life in our community. We are committed to preserving and promoting the district's rich contributions to Florida’s diverse historical and cultural heritage.  Apalachicola Main Street has been designated as a 2020 Accredited Main Street America™ program. The downtown district is defined as the City Marina at Battery Park to the Scipio Creek boat basin, and from Water Street to 6th Street. Stay up to date by following us on social media! www.DowntownApalachicola.com Donate Apalachicola Main Street is Proud to be Part of the Florida Main Street and National Main Street Networks

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