Twelve Years a Widow

Anyone who has done historical research knows the difficulties in tracking down the stories of women, particularly working-class women, and especially women of color. The story of Anne Hampton Northup is remarkable. A much sought after cook, she was born free in Washington County, and is best known for being the wife of Solomon Northup, who was kidnapped in 1841 and subsequently enslaved for twelve years. But who was Anne, and how did she manage as a single woman, bringing up three children, for twelve years until her husband’s return?

Join Yale historian and Middlebury College teacher, Connor Williams, as he sheds some light on the story of Anne, not only about her life, but also about the challenges of uncovering that story.