The Texas Freedom Colonies Storyteller Project
Share your freedom colony memories, stories, and photos
Do you and your family have objects or photographs that evoke memories of freedom colonies?
Freedom colonies are Black settlements in Texas founded between 1865 and 1930. Submit your photos to contribute to a digital archive that aims to share the stories of freedom colonies through pictures of your artifacts. Some examples of artifacts are a pin from your great-grandmother, a handkerchief, a hat from your grandfather, a family bible, photos, obituaries, and more. This project aims to raise awareness of freedom colonies and preserve, connect, educate, and honor the legacies of these places in the broader story of Texas.
View project and entry details.
This contest ran from February 12, 2021 – November 28, 2021.
The Texas Freedom Colonies Storytelling Project is a collaboration between The Texas Freedom Colonies Project™ and the Bullock Texas State History Museum. Made possible in part by funding from the Whiting Foundation.
St. John Colony, Rev John Winn
One of the original three churches in St. John Colony, Zion Union Church
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St. John Colony, Rev John Winn
One of the original three churches in St. John Colony, Zion Union Church
Mrs. Harriett Hayes Obituary
My family lived in a place called Stevenson Colony. My grandfather, James Reese, was a wealthy man. He gave property to the church, school, cemetery, and less fortunate residents in the area.
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Mrs. Harriett Hayes Obituary
My family lived in a place called Stevenson Colony. My grandfather, James Reese, was a wealthy man. He gave property to the church, school, cemetery, and less fortunate residents in the area.
My Great Grandfather's Military Dog Tags
My great grandparents were Robert and Hester Allen of Riceville Community Freedom Colony. Her husband, who died way before I was born, was Robert Allen, a veteran of WW I.
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My Great Grandfather's Military Dog Tags
My great grandparents were Robert and Hester Allen of Riceville Community Freedom Colony. Her husband, who died way before I was born, was Robert Allen, a veteran of WW I.
My Great Grandmother's Baking Measuring Cup
When I visited my great grandmother on her chicken farm in Riceville Community in Houston she used this baking measuring cup to make jelly cake. Also shared great-grandfather’s WWI military dogtags
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My Great Grandmother's Baking Measuring Cup
When I visited my great grandmother on her chicken farm in Riceville Community in Houston she used this baking measuring cup to make jelly cake. Also shared great-grandfather’s WWI military dogtags