To give you more context about the time period in which Twilight lived, we decided to provide some background information.
In 1777, Vermont passed a law against slavery. However, this did not completely end racial tensions in Vermont. Even though slavery was illegal, people could still find their way around the law. The law stated that an African American woman could be kept in slavery until she turned 18 and, for men, it was until 21. Many slave owners found legal loopholes such as claiming that the slave owed them money. The idea that, at any moment, you could be kidnapped from your home was scary. African Americans often tried to keep low profiles in hopes not to be noticed by any slave traders. Conflicts were close to home. In fact, only miles away in Canaan, New Hampshire, an integrated school called Noyes Academy was ripped off its foundation and dragged blocks away by angry townspeople. Alexander Twilight probably heard of this hateful act. What if this had happened to his school? What if the townspeople had found out he was African American? Would they have acted out? What do you think? Let us know in the comments. Alexander Twilight Girls, Old Stone House Museum Associates
1 Comment
Dana Karuza
4/26/2019 06:37:03 am
Gabby, Esme - I continue to be delighted with the bite sized bits that you offer giving us details and contect to ALT. Yes, I could only imagine his emoe new spread about the Noyes Academy. You are really helping make history come alive with this post! Thanks so much. I look forwad to your presentation this eve.
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AuthorsGabrielle and Esme have been researching Twilight thoroughly for three years. They started off working on their Vermont History presentation and eventually ended up, more recently, presenting at Boston History Camp in Boston, Mass. Archives
December 2019
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