740 East 56th Place

Chicago, Illinois 60637

(773) 947-0600

Contact:

Raymond Ward
(773) 947-0600 ext 228
rward@dusablemuseum.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

SPIRITS OF THE PASSAGE:
THE STORY OF THE TRANSATLANTIC SLAVE TRADE
A NEW EXHIBITION
SCHEDULED TO OPEN
AT THE DuSABLE SEPTEMBER 19, 2014
Chicago, IL. (5 August 2014) --- The DuSable Museum of African American History
is honored to present one of the most important exhibitions it has ever displayed,
Spirits of the Passage: The Story of the Transatlantic Slave Trade, which explores
the power of the human spirit. The exhibition will open on September 19, 2014 and
continue through January 4, 2015 at the Museum which is located at 740 East 56 th
Place (57th Street and South Cottage Grove Avenue) in Chicago.
Spirits of the Passage presents a display of nearly 150 historical objects covering more
than 350 years. The exhibition is the first exhibition of its kind to examine the entire
history of the Transatlantic Slave Trade from the 16th through 19th centuries. The 4,000
square foot exhibition is in conjunction with the 150th anniversary of Abraham Lincolns
1863 Emancipation Proclamation and the turning point it represented for thousands of
enslaved people at a pivotal point in the American Civil War. It is the first exhibition of its
kind to examine the entire history of the Transatlantic Slave Trade from the 16th through
19th centuries, while also presenting the most up-to-date research and discoveries to the
public. These include the latest marine archeological discoveries, new research on key
African societies and an exploration of the slave trades modern day legacies.
Produced by the Frazier History Museum in partnership with the Mel Fisher Maritime
Museum in Key West, Florida and with sponsorship support from the University of
Louisville, Spirits of the Passage allows guests to see authentic artifacts from the wreck
of an actual slave ship, such as restraints, tools, plates and trade goods, as well as dozens
of other objects from West Africa societies that show the uniqueness of the individual
cultures they represent. These include religious objects, bronze and beadwork, pottery and
jewelry. These compelling artifacts, along with maps, paintings and illustrations, create a
provocative picture of this tragic era, while also engendering a sense of pride in the legacy
of strength these enslaved people left behind.
Spirits of the Passage @ The DuSable
Page Two

Spirits of the Passage represents a wealth of new scholarship on a topic that often gets
reduced to data and charts, said Frazier History Museum Executive Director Madeleine
Burnside, a slave trade historian. Whats so rare about this exhibition is how we delve
into the details of this haunting world eventwith real stories about specific people and
coordinating artifacts. Objects for the exhibition are on loan from the Mel Fisher
Maritime Museum, which has one of the finest collections of this sort in the world, as well
as the Speed Art Museum, which contributed objects from the Congo, Dahomey and Igbo
cultures. Burnside continued, Weve worked with a distinguished group of scholars from
across the country, as well as local interest groups to ensure that were doing this vast
topic justice on not only an academic level, but a human one as well.
Using maps, dioramas, informative panels, audio stations and artifacts, the exhibition sets
out to dispel myths, offer new insights and encourage a community conversation about
historys by-standards, up-standers and activists, and the interconnectedness of people
from various parts of the globe. To this end, The DuSable will be hosting a number of
related events and programs during the run of Spirits of the Passage, as well as special
programming for school groups.
Spirits of the Passage: The Story of the Transatlantic Slave Trade will open on Friday,
September 19, 2014 and continue through Sunday, January 4, 2015. The exhibition is
partially supported by Macys and a CityArts Grant from the City of Chicago, Department
of Cultural Affairs & Special Events. For more information on the exhibition please call
773-947-0600 or visit our website at www.dusablemuseum.org. The DuSable
Museum of African American History gratefully acknowledges the Chicago Park
Districts generous support of the Museum.
The DuSable Museum of African American History is open Tuesday through Saturday,
from 10:00 AM until 5:00 PM and Sunday from 12:00 NOON until 5:00 PM. Admission is
$10 for adults ($8 for Chicago residents), $7 for students and senior citizens ($5 for
Chicago residents) $3 for children ages 6 through 11 ($2 for Chicago residents) and
children 5 years of age and younger are admitted free. The Museum may be reached by
CTA buses #3, #4 and #55 and limited free parking is also available on the premises.
About The DuSable Museum of African American History
The DuSable Museum of African American History is one of the oldest institutions of its kind in
the country. Our mission is to collect, preserve and display artifacts and objects that promote
understanding and inspire appreciation of the achievements, contributions and experiences of
African Americans through exhibits, programs and activities that illustrate African and African
American history, culture and art. For more information on the Museum and its programs, please
call (773) 947-0600 or visit us at www.dusablemuseum.org

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