2-833-241 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

A paper handbill advertisement for a performance by the Jubilee Singers on March 23, 1875 at City Hall in an unnamed location. The Fisk Jubilee Singers are an African-American a cappella ensemble, consisting of students at Fisk University. The first group was organised in 1871 to tour and raise funds for college. One side of the handbill has the printed title [A SONG FROM FREDERICK DOUGLASS] at the top and then recounts a visit of the Jubilee Singers with Frederick Douglass where he shared a spiritual that he sang while enslaved that inspired him to seek freedom in the North. The lyrics of the song are printed in the center of the handbill. The details for the upcoming performance are printed at the bottom center in large text [CITY HALL / ON THE EVENING OF / TUESDAY, MARCH 23D, 1875. / Tickets now on sale at Stockbridge's]. At the bottom left corner in small print is [Tucker Printing House, Portland.]