Dred Scott: Struggle for Freedom and Continued Legacy

The Civil War Roundtable of D.C. and President Lincoln’s Cottage have partnered to welcome Lynne Jackson, President and Founder of the Dred Scott Heritage Foundation and the great, great granddaughter of Dred Scott.

Ms. Jackson will give a presentation on Dred and Harriet Scott's 11-year legal battle for freedom and the work of the foundation to promote commemoration, education and reconciliation in today’s fractured environment.

The meeting will take place in the historic house where President Lincoln and his family lived for over a quarter of his Presidency, and where President Lincoln developed the Emancipation Proclamation.

Following Ms. Jackson’s presentation, there will be a moderated discussion and questions. The meeting will begin with a reception in the Visitor Education Center.

About the Speaker:

Lynne Jackson is the great-great granddaughter of Dred and Harriet Scott, plaintiffs in the Supreme Court’s Dred Scott decision of 1857. Jackson founded the in 2006 with the goals of commemoration, education and reconciliation. Her primary motive is to share and continue the legacy of Dred Scott and his important role in changing the landscape of the United States through his 11-year legal battle for freedom. Her expertise is blending the personal and legal cases together and portraying a composite picture of what the Scott family’s struggle really meant.

The Foundation raised funds to commission and install the first and only statue of Dred Scott including his wife, Harriet, which stands outside the historic Old Courthouse in St. Louis, MO, where the Scotts sued for their freedom. The Foundation also erected a new memorial for Dred Scott at Calvary Cemetery in St. Louis.

Jackson has created signature panels, “Dred Scott Presents: Sons and Daughters of Reconciliation,” comprised of descendants whose stories connect directly or indirectly with the Dred Scott story. She is in close association with the Blow Family (former owners of Dred Scott) and the Taney Family (whose ancestor Chief Justice read the Dred Scott decision), as well and the families of Thomas Jefferson and Jefferson Davis, to mention a few.

Jackson is a graduate of S. Illinois University at Edwardsville and the Alleda Ward Wells Piano Studio of St. Louis. She has had a career in law and business in St. Louis. She has received numerous honors and awards for her heritage work including the Spirit of Justice Award from the St. Louis Bar Foundation and a Proclamation from the City of St. Louis.

Through its work, the Dred Scott Heritage Foundation aims to ensure that we never forget the struggle for freedom, citizenship and equality, with an eye towards helping to heal the wounds of the past.

Info:
7:15 pm: Cottage Conversation and Q&A
8:00 pm: Meeting Adjourned

Host or Publisher President Lincoln's Cottage