Why Wench Betty's Story Matters: The Murder of a NJ Slave in 1784

Wench Betty was murdered in 1784. The subsequent court proceedings for her murder were held that year too. How does exploring her murder today provide insight into the lives of enslaved African Americans during the early American Republic? Often, the lives of enslaved people’s in this period are disregarded. This New Jersey Council for the Humanities Public Scholars Program (PSP) session will educate participants about the state of slavery in New Jersey at the time of Wench Betty’s death and provide an opportunity to explore the powerful revolutionary war ideas of freedom and liberty at a time when slavery still existed in the state’s History. Through an examination of court documents and slave records, participants will more deeply understand more about Wench Betty’s life and all the ways it mattered.

SJM iwas proud to host this program , presented by Sue Kozel at the Scotch Plains Public Library.

This program is funded by the New Jersey Council for the Humanities. This program has been made possible in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and the New Jersey Council for the Humanities (NJCH). Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of the NEH or NJCH.