The grave of James Matthews and his remarkable story will be the central focus of a walk through the Historic Hallowell Cemetery. The stroll will explore the older sections of the cemetery.
The event will feature an afternoon presentation at the Hubbard Free Library by Dr. Susanna Ashton, author of “Re-collecting Jim” revealing why she believes that James Matthews was the subject of the harrowing account of the enslaved person’s escape from bondage in South Carolina.
The first of five installments appeared in the “Advocate of Freedom” the newspaper of Maine Abolitionist Society published in Hallowell February 1839. Dr. Ashton is Professor of English at Clemson University and is the author of “The Plausible Man: The true story of the enslaved man who inspired Uncle Tom’s Cabin.”
This is the third cemetery to serve Hallowell residents. The presentation will explore the history of the burying grounds and the area of “The Plains” where the current cemetery is located.
The cemetery roadways are packed stone with only slight changes in elevation are are fairly accessible. Parking will be available near the Matthews gravesite with advance notice. Requests for accommodation’s should be sent to historichallowell@gmail.com
Ron Kley, archivist at the Vaughan Historic Homestead, and geologist will be discussing the materials of the gravestone and why they vary in condition.
Accessibility:
Arrangement for parking within the cemetery can be made by emailing historichallowell@gmail.com
Starting Location:
The walk will begin at the Civil War Monument on Monument Avenue, just off Water Street, at the southernmost entrance to the Hallowell Cemetery. Parking will be available along Water Street and inside the cemetery by arrangement. Just north of Bolley’s.
Ending Location:
Middle of the southside of the Hallowell Cemetery.
Hallowell, Maine 04347
