Contributed by Elaine Kemp Bragdon through Maine Historical Society
Description
George Washington "Wash" Kemp, along with his wife, Maria Barbour Kemp, and three of their daughters traveled around New England in the later years of the 19th century, performing as the "Colored Kemp Family" from the "Old Sunny South."
They performed for about 25 years.
Kemp and his wife and their two oldest children, John and Mary, were escaped slaves. Gen. Oliver Otis Howard was responsible for their move to Maine.
The broadside details the history of the relationship between Howard and the Kemps. When the war ended, Howard was head of the Freedmen's Bureau.
The broadside was restored from the original and reprinted.
Transcription
About This Item
- Title: Kemp Family Singers broadside, Leeds, ca. 1895
- Creation Date: circa 1895
- Subject Date: circa 1895
- Location: Leeds, Androscoggin County, ME
- Media: Ink on paper
- Object Type: Text
Cross Reference Searches
Standardized Subject Headings
- Children of freedmen--Maine
- Kemp family
- Spirituals (Songs)
- African American singers
- African Americans in the performing arts
- Minstrel shows--Maine
- Singers--Maine
- Freedmen--Maine
- Howard, O.O. (Oliver Otis), 1830-1909
- African Americans--Maine--Leeds
- Broadsides
- Advertising
People
For more information about this item, contact:
Maine Historical Society485 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 774-1822 x230
Website
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More to Consider
Item 99381
George Washington Kemp, Leeds, ca. 1890
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