Slavery and Freedom in Delaware, 1639-1865 (Scholarly Resources, 1996). Williams' book, an extensively documented overview of the history of slavery in Delaware, incorporates histories of individual African Americans such as Richard Allen (founder of African Methodist Episcopal Church) and traces the influence of Quakers and Methodists in supporting the abolition of slavery.Williams, William.
Marks, Carole C., ed.
A History of African Americans of Delaware and Maryland's Eastern Shore (Christian Council of Delaware and Maryland's Eastern Shore, 1997). This book is a collection of essays by noted local scholars, including university faculty and members of Delaware historical societies. It includes an overview describing early African American history in Delaware, and features two special sections profiling distinguished African American men and women of the times. The book will soon be republished. Contact the Black American Studies Program at the University of Delaware for information on how to obtain a copy.Trotter, Joe Jr. and Eric Ledell Smith, eds.
African Americans in Pennsylvania: Shifting Historical Perspectives (Penn State University Press and Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, 1997). This book shows how ordinary people have influenced the culture, institutions, and politics of Pennsylvania. In the process, it documents the ways in which African Americans have influenced, and continue to influence, the state as a whole.Nash, Gary B.
Forging Freedom: The Formation of Philadelphia's Black Community, 1720-1840 (Harvard University Press, 1988). Nash's book tells the story of the free black community which formed in Philadelphia between the American Revolution and the 1830's. It traces the continuing leadership of African Americans such as Richard Allen, Absalom Jones, and James Forten. While it highlights the contributions of friends of the African American community such as the Quaker Anthony Benezet and Dr. Benjamin Rush, the book also stresses the perseverance and resourcefulness of Philadelphia's free black citizens.Allen, Richard and Absalom Jones.
A Narrative of the Proceedings of the Black People During the Late Awful Calamity in Philadelphia in 1793 (Woodward, 1794 and Independence National Historical Park, 1993). This book is a reprint of a pamphlet originally written in 1794 by Richard Allen and Absalom Jones. It tells the story of the experiences of black citizens who heroically volunteered their services during the yellow fever epidemic which ravaged the city in 1793. Another book on the epidemic is: Powell, H.H. Bring Out Your Dead: The Great Plague of Yellow Fever in Philadelphia in 1793. University of Pennsylvania Press, 1993. Available in bookstores at Visitor Center of Independence National Historical Park and the West Wing of Independence Hall.Quarles, Benjamin.
The Negro in the American Revolution (University of North Carolina Press, 1996). This book is the first detailed, comprehensive research-based history of African Americans who served on both sides during the American Revolutionary War. In the preface to his book, Quarles explains that the African American's role in the Revolution "can best be understood by realizing that his major loyalty was not to a place nor to a people, but to a principle . . . those inalienable rights of which Mr. Jefferson had spoken." Although it has not been revised since it was published in 1961, Quarles' book is still being strongly recommended for the general reader. Available in Valley Forge Interpretive Association Bookstore in Valley Forge National Historical Park.Valley Forge: African Americans in the Time of the Revolutionary War with a Look at the Valley Forge Encampment. This is a site bulletin on African American soldiers which summarizes the involvement of African Americans serving in the Continental army, including those who wintered at Valley Forge. Available from Valley Forge National Historical Park, P.O. Box 953, Valley Forge, Pennsylvania 19481-0953.
Walling, Richard S.
Men of Color at the Battle of Monmouth (Longstreet House: Hightstown, New Jersey, 1994). Walling's book documents the more than 800 African Americans who fought under George Washington's command at the Battle of Monmouth, New Jersey, and looks back to the African American presence at Valley Forge during the bleak winter encampment there in the winter of 1777-78 when two proposals for the formation of an all black fighting corps were made. Available in Valley Forge Interpretive Association Bookstore in Valley Forge National Historical Park.Blockson, Charles L.
The Underground Railroad (Prentice Hall Press, 1987). The author, current curator of the Afro-American collection of Temple University in Philadelphia, has compiled first-person narratives of escapes to freedom in the North. Blockson is also the author of many other books, including: Hippocrene Guide to the Underground Railroad. New York, Hippocrene Books, 1994; African Americans in Pennsylvania: A History and Guide. Baltimore, Md. Black Classic Press, 1994; and Black Genealogy. Baltimore, Md. Black Classic Press, 1991.Underground Railroad: Official National Park Handbook (United States National Park Service, Division of Publications, 1998). This book is about the paths and ways that blacks took to escape slavery in the southern United States before the Civil War. It contains a specially commissioned collection of essays by noted historians Larry Gara, Brenda E. Stevenson, and C. Peter Ripley which tell the story of the Underground Railroad. The essays are accompanied by beautifully executed illustrations and judiciously selected historical photographs. (Stock Number: 024-005-01185) Copies of this book may be obtained from the U.S. Government Printing Office Bookstore, Robert Morris Building, 100 North 17th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, (215) 636 - 1900.
Underground Railroad: Official Map and Guide (United States National Park Service, 1996). This brochure provides a brief history of slavery in America. It also describes how slaves were brought to freedom through the Underground Railroad. (Stock Number: 024-005-01170-6) Copies of this brochure may be ordered from the U.S. Government Printing Office, Philadelphia, PA 636-1900.
Hopewell Furnace (United States National Park Service,1985). This book describes the rural Pennsylvania community and "iron plantation" in the Schuylkill Valley which turned out products for a growing nation. At this historic site, generations of ironmasters, craftsmen, and workers produced iron goods during war and peace. (Stock Number: 024-005-00904-3) Copies may be ordered from the Superintendent of Documents, P.O. Box 371954, Pittsburgh, PA 15250.