LANCASTER, PA — LancasterHistory is honored to host New York Times bestselling author Dr. Ilyon Woo for an illuminating evening to discuss her latest work, Master Slave Husband Wife: An Epic Journey from Slavery to Freedom. The author's talk and book signing will take place at the Ware Center for the Performing Arts on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, from 5-7pm. Doors open at 5pm and the main presentation begins at 5:30pm.

In this gripping narrative, Woo recounts the extraordinary true story of Ellen and William Craft's escape from slavery — a journey underpinned by love, bravery, and disguise. The Crafts' story is a pivotal episode in American history, revealing the depth of the human spirit and the complex tapestry of life, liberty, and justice. Their flight from Georgia to the Northern states, in which they cleverly navigated a journey of more than 1,000 miles while evading capture serves as a testament to their indomitable spirit and love for each other.

“We are thrilled to have Dr. Ilyon Woo join us here in Lancaster. The story of Ellen and William Craft should be known by all Americans. It is a powerful account of the bravery, agency, and resilience it took for one couple to achieve their freedom, and represents the story of countless individuals who risked their lives in similar ways," said Robin Sarratt, Vice President for LancasterHistory. "As we plan for the future Thaddeus Stevens & Lydia Hamilton Smith Center for History and Democracy, we are inspired by the story of the Crafts, and of the stories of so many individuals who came through Lancaster County on their quest for freedom.”

Master Slave Husband Wife has garnered widespread acclaim and was named a best book of 2023 by prestigious outlets including The New Yorker, Time, NPR, Smithsonian Magazine, and Oprah Daily. The book delves into the Crafts' perilous journey, their rise to celebrity within the abolitionist movement, and the continual threats they faced under the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850.

Ilyon Woo, Ph.D. is a celebrated author and historian, known for her compelling storytelling and meticulous research. Her previous work, The Great Divorce, received critical acclaim, and her articles have been featured in The Boston Globe, The Wall Street Journal, and The New York Times. Woo's dedication to uncovering and sharing powerful stories from history has made her a leading voice in historical literature.

The event, "Ellen and William Craft: A Love Story," will take place at the Ware Center for the Performing Arts, located at 42 N. Prince Street, Lancaster. Doors open at 5pm, followed by the lecture at 5:30pm in Steinman Hall. After the lecture, Ilyon Woo will be available for a book signing of her book, Master Slave Husband Wife. Copies of the book will be available for purchase.

This event is free and open to the public but requires advance registration and tickets to attend. To attend this in-person program, please register online or by calling (717) 392-4633. Advance registration is strongly encouraged.

LancasterHistory is most grateful to sponsors Anne G. Gardner and the Musser-Lyons Endowment for Equity and Education at LancasterHistory for their support of this event!

Don't miss this opportunity to delve into the captivating journey of the Crafts and explore the enduring themes of love, liberty, and resilience with acclaimed author Ilyon Woo.

About LancasterHistory
LancasterHistory is a community-based, not-for-profit organization established to educate the public on the history of Lancaster County and its place in the history of Pennsylvania and the United States, to advance the missions of regional historical organizations, and to promote the acquisition, preservation, and interpretation of resources representing the history of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania within the broader context of state and national history, including the homes of 15th US President James Buchanan and Congressman Thaddeus Stevens and Lydia Hamilton Smith.

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