Chapel of the Centurion

Join us for an inspiring evening as we honor a pivotal moment in American history — the Contraband Decision of 1861, which opened the path to freedom for thousands of enslaved people. Hear the powerful story of Frank Baker, Shepard Mallory, and James Townsend, three brave men who escaped enslavement and sought refuge at Fort […]

The Contraband Historical Society of Hampton, Virginia, will hold its annual commemoration of the Contraband Decision of 1861. In partnership with the Fort Monroe Authority, the Society will bring together “Contraband” descendants with historical reenactors and extraordinary local musical talent. We’ll explore the most recent and exciting Contraband research and have a short preview of […]

On May 24th, 2023 at 7pm at the historic Chapel of the Centurion at Fort Monroe, the Contraband Historical Society will bring together local “Contraband” descendants with a 3rd-great-grandson of Major General Benjamin Butler. The Society annually commemorates this date in 1861, when local enslaved men Frank Baker, Shepard Mallory and James Townsend fled to […]