Legacy and Landscape: Henry and Catherine’s Journey

This presentation explores the lives of Henry and Catherine Campbell, once enslaved in New Castle, Delaware. Their journey highlights Black autonomy and self-determination in New Castle during the decades following the American Revolution. Beginning with their conditional manumission from Daniel McLonen in 1783 and concluding with the probate records of Henry Campbell in 1813, this presentation traces the Campbells’ journey in New Castle from enslavement to land ownership. With the help of their manumission and other archival documents, we will examine how the Campbells navigated a society that continued to restrict the rights and opportunities of African Americans who left a lasting mark on Historic New Castle. This free presentation will occur at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on September 19th.