New Bedford Historical Society, Inc.
For more information contact:
Lee Blake
New Bedford Historical Society
774-929-30535
New Bedford Historical Society Hosts Filming of PBS Series
The newly renovated Nathan and Mary Johnson House got a starring role in a new PBS series
on African-American history "The African Americans: Many Rives to Cross" hosted by Henry
Louis Gates Jr., one of the most powerful academic voices in America.
Gates filmed an interview with historian Thomas Holt, author of “Children of Fire: A History of
African Americans” in the living room of the Johnson House. The series, “African Americans:
Many Rivers to Cross” is a six-part, six hour documentary, that chronicles the full sweep of 500
years of African-American history, from the origins of slavery on the African continent and the
arrival of the first black conquistador, Juan Garrido, in Florida in 1513, through five centuries of
remarkable historic events right up to today.
The series is the first production to cover such an extensive time period since 1968. Both
Frederick Douglass and Paul Cuffe, – national historic figures from the Greater New Bedford
area – will be included in the program. Gates endeavors to tell the story of a young Frederick
Douglass who found his voice as an abolitionist in the African-American neighborhoods and
churches of 19th century New Bedford.
“The New Bedford Historical Society is pleased to provide the Nathan and Polly Johnson
House as a filming location for such an important program,” said Lee Blake, president of the
Society. “We are proud of the work we have done to preserve the Johnson House and honored
to have Henry Louis Gates use the building as a backdrop for his series.”
Gates and his crew also shot footage of the city's waterfront, the Rotch-Jones-Duff House and
historic district, specifically Water Street between Centre and William Streets where both Cuffe
and Douglass walked the streets.
“We chose New Bedford because of its historic waterfront and rich history as a safe haven for
African Americans in the 19th century,” said Taleah Bridges McMahon, site locations manager.
“The Johnson House, its ties with Frederick Douglass and others, and as a stop on the
Underground Railroad, was the perfect place to film. It served as an excellent backdrop and
helped bring the history to life.”
Viewers will learn that the African-American community, which black abolitionist Martin R.
Delany described as a “nation within a nation,” has never been a truly uniform entity, and that its
members have been debating their differences of opinion and belief from their very first days in
this country. The road to freedom for black people in America has not been linear; rather, much
like the course of a river, it has been full of loops and eddies, slowing and occasionally reversing
current. Ultimately, the series emphasizes the idea that African-American history encompasses
multiple continents and venues, and must be viewed through a transnational perspective to be
fully understood.
Henry Louis Gates Jr., one of the most powerful academic voices in America, is most
recognized for his extensive research of African-American history and literature, and for
developing and expanding the African-American studies program at Harvard University.
The New Bedford Historical Society is dedicated to and preserving the history of African
Americans, Cape Verdeans, West Indians, Native Americans, and other people of color in New
Bedford. The Johnson House is a National Historic Landmark and Underground Railroad
Historic Site and was recently renovated to capture its 19th Century interior. For additional
Information, contact the Society at info@nbhistoricalsociety.org.