The Case:
The president of the Mayme A. Clayton Library & Museum in Culver City, California has discovered an unusual book in his late mother’s extraordinary collection of African American artifacts.
The small, cloth-bound book, titled Slave Songs of the United States, has a publication date of 1867 and contains a collection of 136 plantation songs.
Could this be the first book of African American spirituals ever published?
History Detectives explores the coded messages and the melodies that laid the foundation of modern blues, gospel and protest songs of future generations.
Related Content
Video:
Technique:
Technique:
Related Links
Explore
-
Related Investigation
Liberty Bell Pin
Was one of America’s most iconic symbols melted down into a mere memento?
-
Also with Wes Cowan
Cleveland Electric Car
What happened to the electric street car network in Cleveland?
-
Also in Season 6
Kahlil Gibran Painting
Is this painting an unknown work by an immigrant poet whose words inspired an American generation?
-
Also in Season 6
Bill Picket Saddle
Did this saddle ride into cowboy history with one of rodeo's most daring innovators?
-
Related Investigation
Quaker Map
Did this faded map once guide slaves to freedom on the underground railroad?
-
Also in this episode
Josh White Guitar
What role did this guitar play in the transformation of the music industry in the 1960's?
Comments
This is a place for opinions, comments, questions and discussion; a place where viewers of History Detectives can express their points of view and connect with others who value history. We ask that posters be polite and respectful of all opinions. History Detectives reserves the right to delete comments that don’t conform to this conduct. We will not respond to every post, but will do our best to answer specific questions, or address an error.