THE STORY OF AN IMAGINED ENCOUNTER AT CAPE MAY, NEW JERSEY ON JULY 4, 1872
A dramatic reading of an original script, Leaders and Liberators portrays an imagined meeting on July
4, 1872 in Cape May, New Jersey between Harriet Tubman and two abolitionist allies from Columbia,
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania — the Reverend Stephen Smith and William Whipper.
These three influential leaders of the Underground Railroad movement were courageous conductors
and agents who led hundreds to freedom through the anti-slavery network of the Underground
Railroad, from the 1830s through the 1850s.
Portraying Harriet Tubman will be Raquel Richardson. The part of William Whipper will be presented
by the Reverend Eric Jackson. Nelson Polite, Jr., President of the African American Historical Society
will portray the Reverend Stephen Smith. Accomplished actors in period theatre, the trio will present an historically-informed script authored by Lancaster historian Randolph Harris and his wife, the
Reverend Martha Harris, Rector, Saint Paul Episcopal Church, Columbia Pennsylvania. The
Reverend Dr. Patricia S. McAllister retired pastor of Mt. Zion AME Church in Columbia, will serve as
the Interlocutor who will set the period scene and introduce the presenters. Pastors Jackson and
McAllister will facilitate a post-production dialogue with the actors.
This community benefit event is sponsored by the African American Historical Society of South
Central Pennsylvania, the Underground Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, the Stephen Smith
Community Development and Multicultural Center and Saint Paul Episcopal Church.
Tickets for general seating are available for $25 at www.aahsscpa.org A reception in the Saint Paul
Parish House will follow the performance and post show discussion in the Saint Paul sanctuary.