Cecilia and Fanny tells the tale of Cecelia, a fifteen-year-old slave, and her mistress, Frances “Fanny” Thruston Ballard. While visiting Niagra Falls, Cecelia ran away, crossing into Canada and joining the free black population there. Through the years, the two remained close, resulting in the later discovery of letters from Fanny to Cecelia. The documentation of the relationships between freed slaves and their former owners is rare, making this group of letters especially prized. Moreover, Asher provides a unique look at race relations prior to, during, and after emancipation in Louisville.
Brad Asher is an independent scholar and writer. He received his Ph.D. in history from the University of Chicago. In addition to Cecelia and Fanny, he is the author of two other historical books.
This lecture will begin at noon at The Filson Historical Society.

Reservations are suggested.