Slavery and Freedom
Slavery and Freedom explores the complex story of slavery and freedom, which rests at the core of our nation’s shared history.
About the Exhibition
- When: Ongoing
- Where: Concourse 3 (C3), History Galleries
- Curator: Mary Elliott
Exhibition Experience
Explore the history of slavery in the U.S. and the stories of African Americans whose struggles for freedom shaped the nation.
Charleston Slave Badges
From 1800 to 1865, the government of Charleston, South Carolina required enslaved Black people to wear badges when their labor was leased out. Slave badges were for various positions, including servants, porters, fruiters, fishers, and mechanics.
A Closer Look
Five hundred years ago, a new form of slavery transformed Africa, Europe, and the Americas.
Point of Pines Slave Cabin
The slave cabin from Point of Pines plantation on Edisto Island, South Carolina, was built in the 1850s and occupied by Black families until the 1980s.
Joseph Trammell’s Freedom Papers
Joseph Trammell, like many free African Americans during the Antebellum period, was legally required to carry “freedom papers.” He had to register his free status at the local courthouse, in Loudon County, Virginia.
Emancipation Proclamation
This palm-sized copy of the Emancipation Proclamation was created and issued to Union Army soldiers in 1862. They carried the pamphlet and read aloud the content, declaring freedom for Black people enslaved in the rebelling states.
On View
Explore collection objects and stories of African American history and culture.
![This is a square metal slave badge set on point with clipped corners. On the recto is text that reads ”CHARLESTON [stamped]” across the top. Under that is “75 [punched] / PORTER [stamped] / 1850 [stamped].” There is a hole punched at the center top.](/sites/default/files/styles/max_1300x1300/public/2022-12/NMAAHC-2022_5_103_001%20-%20Edited.png?itok=eMyI3MJz)
![This is a square metal slave badge set on point with sharp corners. On the recto is text that reads ”CHARLESTON [stamped]” across the top. Under that is “1853 [stamped] / MECHANIC [stamped] / 171 [punched].” There is a hole punched at the center top.](/sites/default/files/styles/max_1300x1300/public/2022-12/NMAAHC-2022_5_108_001%20-%20Edited.png?itok=_D6KrVC7)
![This is a square metal slave badge set on point with clipped corners. On the recto is text that reads ”CHARLESTON [stamped]” across the top. Under that is “2010 [punched] / SERVANT [stamped] / 1857 [stamped].” There is a hole punched at the center top.](/sites/default/files/styles/max_1300x1300/public/2022-12/NMAAHC-2022_5_119_001%20-%20Edited.png?itok=jZfd-ufd)
![This is a square metal slave badge set on point with clipped corners. On the recto is text that reads” CHARLESTON [stamped]” across the top. Under that is “80 [punched] / FRUITERER & ETC. [stamped]/ 1844 [stamped].” There is a hole punched at the center top.](/sites/default/files/styles/max_1300x1300/public/2022-12/NMAAHC-2022_5_82_001%20-%20Edited.png?itok=bbVSuLW2)
