The Path Between Two Worlds: The Life of Josephine Williams
“The Path Between Two Communities: The Life of Josephine Williams” is the second of a three-part series – “The Ties That Bind: Women Who Bridged Two Worlds” – hosted by the Clermont Foundation and the Josephine School Community Museum. (Other programs are on May 16 and Aug. 29.)
Today’s program focuses on farm owner Ellen McCormick and one of her slaves, Josephine.
Program begins at 1:30 p.m. at Clermont Farm (151 Clermont Lane, Berryville). Then, visitors drive approximately 1.5 miles to the Josephine School Community Museum (303 Josephine St., Berryville).
At the farm, the focus is on Ellen Jett McCormick who, after her husband’s death in 1870, owned Clermont, other properties, as well as Josephine and other enslaved African-Americans. When Ellen was forced to sell some land to pay off debts, Josephine – now a free woman – negotiated a land deal that resulted in the establishment of a Black community later to be known as Josephine City.
At the museum, the focus is on Josephine’s journey from enslavement to land ownership and community leadership. Her story is a powerful reflection on resilience, negotiation, and the foundation of freedom in Clarke County.
Tickets are $10 per adult; FREE for students 18 and younger and seniors 65 and older. Tickets can be purchased at Clermont Farm and online here. Receive a $5 discount by purchasing a series ticket for $25 for all three events.
Note: This is part of the VA250 initiative; Virginia’s participation in the national celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Read more here.
Contact Clermont at (540) 955-0102 or office@clermontfarm.org
.Contact the museum at (540) 955-5512 or jschool515@verizon.net
