From Rona Arato ...

Uncle Tom’s Cabin Historic Site

written by Rona Arato,
Author of "Working for Freedom: the Story of Josiah Henson"

Last month I had the privilege of reading from my book, Working for Freedom, the Story of Josiah Henson to 7th and 8th grade students from the Winston Churchill Public School at the Uncle Tom’s Cabin Historic Site in Dresden Ontario.

Josiah Henson had a major impact on Blacks who escaped from slavery in the United States to freedom in Canada in the years before the U. S. Civil War. I love telling his story because it shows how one dedicated person can make a great difference in the lives of others. Josiah’s fierce conviction that everyone deserves to be free, his strong work ethic and his belief in education, helped escaped Blacks make the most of their newly acquired freedom.

Everyone at the Site was wonderful. Steven Cook, Site Manager and Barbara Carter, Josiah’s great great granddaughter was each a great help when I was writing the book. The students were happy to learn more about Josiah. They followed the reading with a tour of the museum and a pizza lunch. It was a terrific day for all of us.

Rona Arato