Mary Meachum Freedom Crossing Celebration - May 21
When: Saturday, May 21, 2011, 11AM to 3:00PM
Where: Mary Meachum Freedom Crossing site
On the Mississippi River at the foot of Prairie Street
28 E. Grand, St. Louis, Missouri 63147
Time: 11AM to 3PM
11:00 a.m. – Music Begins, food concessions open
2:00 p.m. – Reenactment
Cost: FREE
Photos: Check out photos
Why: In 2001, the Mary Meachum Freedom Crossing was dedicated by the Mayor of St. Louis as Missouri’s first nationally recognized (by the National Park Service) Underground Railroad. Subsequently, an intense community process has and is still occurring to develop the site into a national tourist destination and source of cultural pride. The annual celebration of this historic event is marked by community presentations and festivities. The event culminates with the reenactment of the 1855 event portraying urban slaves that have left the City to meet on the riverbanks to seek freedom across the River. After expressing their hopes and fears through oratory and song, the actors are confronted by the sheriff and his men. Shots are fired. Some freedom seekers’ brief brush with liberty is crushed. The audience is stunned by the drama but quickly rejoice when they become part of the balloon launch symbolizing freedom. Gathering at the River’s edge, participants release hundreds of environmentally-friendly, multi-colored balloons which drift over the Mississippi toward the north.
Directions: Event on St. Louis Riverfront Trail by the Mississippi River -
Interstate 70 to Grand Avenue, East toward River,
continue on Hall Street 1/4 mile
Signs will direct you to the event site
Contact: For more information, contact Doug Eller at 314.584-6703 or email.
Generous support provided by Great Rivers Greenway, Missouri Humanities Council and Missouri Arts Council.
