Remember the Pearl weekend at Freedom House Museum

The Edmonson sisters Mary and Emily were trafficked through Alexandria in the domestic slave trade after attempting to escape on the Pearl. One of the largest escape attempts in U.S. history, Freedom House Museum is hosting special activities as part of a regional commemoration in honor of the attempt of 77 enslaved people, including the Edmonson sisters.
Title:Remember the Pearl weekend at Freedom House Museum
Date & Time:Saturday, April 11, 2026 • 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Location:Freedom House Museum (Map This)
1315 Duke Street
Event Details:Remember the Pearl weekend at Freedom House Museum

The Edmonson sisters Mary and Emily were trafficked through Alexandria in the domestic slave trade after attempting to escape on the Pearl. One of the largest escape attempts in U.S. history, Freedom House Museum is hosting the following special activities as part of a regional commemoration in honor of the attempt of 77 enslaved people, including the Edmonson sisters, to seek freedom from the wharves of southwest D.C.

On April 11 and 12, visitors can join docent-led discussions during regular museum hours about the history of the Pearl and its impact on society. Visitors who mention “Remember the Pearl” will receive free admission.

As part of the weekend’s reflection and dialogue, the public is warmly invited to gather for a special conversation on Saturday morning from 10 – 11 a.m. – A Conversation - The Framework for Social Resistance. The Edmonson Sisters’ story provides a historic example, while Mr. Earl Yates, part of the Social Justice Ministry of Shiloh Baptist Church in Washington, D.C., provides contemporary examples of the framework. Attendees will have time to reflect and apply the Framework to their own lives. Mr. Earl Yates has been a long-time member of the Social?Justice? Committee at Shiloh Baptist Church of Washington, D.C. He spent his career working with developing nations through the Peace Corp and USAID.?

Visit Information:
Freedom House Museum is located at 1315 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA. Museum hours are Thursdays & Fridays, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Saturdays, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.; and Sundays, 1 – 5 p.m.
Admission is $5 per adult and $3 per child (ages 5–12). Admission is free for City of Alexandria residents. Visitors who mention “Remember the Pearl” on April 11 and 12 will also receive free admission.

Fees:Admission is free for City of Alexandria residents. Visitors who mention “Remember the Pearl” on April 11 and 12 will also receive free admission.
Tags:Black History, Museums, Old & Historic Alexandria, Old Town


For event details visit https://apps.alexandriava.gov/Calendar/?62543
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