About

“Prelude to Freedom: The Contraband Story” is a musical drama depicting the historic events that occurred at the onset of the Civil War at Fort Monroe in Hampton, Virginia – significantly, the very same site where the first captured Africans arrived in the future United States in 1619. It tells the story of three enslaved men from the Charles K. Mallory farm who escaped and sought refuge behind Union lines in May of 1861. Their daring escape set in motion a movement that would eventually call for the liberation of thousands of enslaved people in Virginia and millions more throughout the South.
Gerri Hollins, founder of the Contraband Historical Society and herself a descendant of Civil War Contrabands, was an accomplished musician and singer. In 2005 she brought the story of these original Contrabands to the public in "Prelude to Freedom," composing the music, and writing both the lyrics and script. Gerri's own ancestors, who were enslaved on a farm in Hampton, are in the forefront of the story. Also appearing among the cast of 19 are historic local figures such as General Benjamin Butler, Charles Mallory, William Roscoe Davis, and Mary Peake. With beautiful music and stirring drama, "Prelude to Freedom" both inspires and educates audiences.