Abolition, slavery & women’s rights
Elizabeth Freeman
c. 1744–1829
Massachusetts connection
Sheffield and Stockbridge
Freeman, then known as Bett, and a man named Brom won their freedom in a Massachusetts court in 1781. Their case challenged slavery using the new state constitution’s promise of freedom. Her courage was part of a wider struggle, including other freedom suits and petitions.
You can use your device’s reading tools or read with a partner.
Your turn, historian
Find a detail. Build an idea.
- What did this person or group do? Point to a detail in the reading.
- What unfair rule or practice did this person challenge, and how?
- What would you like to find out next? Which kind of source could help?
“Elizabeth Freeman mattered because ___. A detail that supports my idea is ___.”
Follow the evidence.
This short reading is an original classroom summary. Open the source with your teacher to check details and learn more.
Read the source: Massachusetts Historical Society ↗Ask: Who made this source? What can it tell us? What might it leave out?
Freeman, Walker, and freedom cases