The Media Library of Genesee Valley BOCES

Looks at some of the historical homes and people that made up the Underground Railroad. Examines the routes taken by slaves, the system of signals that indicated which houses were safe to approach, where they were hidden within houses, and addresses many of the obstacles slaves faced on their journey

Sojourner traveled the country telling her painful story of slavery. She crusaded against slavery, and for women's rights. She was born a slave in the late1700's and eventually aided in freeing her fellow people

One of America's most prominent African-American artists turns his genius to the inspiring story of Harriet Tubman. Striking rhythmic verse conveys the urgency of Harriet's mission as she risked her life to lead her people to freedom. Based on the book by Jacob Lawrence. [PLEASE NOTE: This title is available through the "TIMELY TOPICS COLLECTION" in your elementary library media center 1/07 THROUGH 6/07.]

Examines life on a Southern plantation during the 1850's. Told through the words of 11-year old Amy Oakley, students see what life was like in the Main House, where the owners lived, and in the slave quarters. They see the type of work done by slaves, how they were treated, and their quality of life. Eli Whitney's cotton gin, the growth of the cotton industry, and the affect of the Civil War on the industry are examined

Describes Harriet Tubman's role in helping slaves escape to the north via the Underground Railroad

Part 1: Jamie and his family are separated at an auction but manage to reunite and flee to the north (24 min.). Part 2: Jamie's family struggles to adjust to life in a Quaker town. It becomes necessary to raise enough money to purchase their freedom (24 min.)

From the moment that her master brings the new slave, Nightjohn, to the plantation, young Sarny's life is never the same. Nightjohn has a skill that is forbidden above all others for slaves -he knows how to read. A whole new world opens up to her as she learns about the power of knowledge and the human spirit. Based on the book by Gary Paulsen

Explore the unique ways of life on 18th-century American plantations. Viewers start their journey in Europe, where they search for the beginnings of the plantation system, and then travel to Jamestown, Virginia where they examine the problems encountered by the first English settlers in their attempts to establish tobacco plantations. Students witness the common patterns of life in early America as they visit both humble and grand plantations

Despite the fact that she was born without any advantage and could neither read nor write, Isabella (self-named Sojourner Truth at age 30) became a famous orator and spoke out against the sins of slavery and for the rights of women

Examines the institution of slavery in America from the early 1600s, when the first shipment of slaves landed at Jamestown, to the early days of Reconstruction. Seeks to dispel the myth that slaves were passive concerning their plight. From the Underground Railroad, with Harriet Tubman leading slaves to freedom, to slave revolts at places like Harper's Ferry, and abolitionists like Frederick Douglass, there was an ongoing attempt to disrupt and end slavery