College Acquires Significant First Edition

Miller Library will undertake conservation work on Isaac Mason's autobiography, purchased with support from the Women’s League of Washington College.

The Miller Library at Washington College recently unveiled a significant piece of African American history: a first edition of Isaac Mason's autobiography, a young man who escaped from enslavement here in Chestertown, Maryland just up the road from Washington College. His biography, The Life of Isaac Mason as a Slave, details that 1846 escape, how he found freedom across the Pennsylvania border, and his rise to become a distinguished American leader. His narrative offers a powerful firsthand account of the realities of enslavement and the struggle for freedom and provides invaluable insights into the experiences of African Americans in the 19th century. 

The library, in collaboration with the Washington College Starr Center for the Study of the American Experience, hosted an "unboxing" event on Wednesday, February 19 in the Sophie Kerr Room. The acquisition was possible due to the quick work of Washington College librarians, the Starr Center, and a generous gift from the Women's League of Washington College.  

“[Mason’s] story has been researched by Washington College students, faculty and staff at the Starr Center for more than 20 years,” noted Adam Goodheart, director of the Starr Center. Most recently, the Center has taken on incorporating Mason’s incredible story into an application for the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Registry through the National Park Service. 

The acquisition of this first edition, a vital part of American history, was particularly noteworthy as Mason's story resonates deeply with the mission of the Chesapeake Heartland Project. Through working with the Project and leaders at the Starr Center, students who had been studying Mason's life were elated to see the tome firsthand, noting that it highlights the resilience and determination of those who sought liberation.  

“This is such an amazing and very full circle moment,” said Emily Stiles ’28. “To be able to have the book that has been the base of our research and the information that we have utilized to create our application for a year and a half year now is beyond exciting, and I am so excited to have this in the Washington College collection.” 

Recently, Mason’s life served as inspiration for another Kent County native. ISAAC: A Musical Journey was commissioned by the Kent Cultural Alliance for the Washington College Chesapeake Heartland Project. Composed and written by Marlon Saunders, an accomplished performer who grew up in Kent County, the musical reimagines the remarkable life of this incredible man on the stage.  

The book will now reside in the Miller Library’s special collections.  

“This is a treasure of Eastern Shore history, of Chestertown history, and in fact, of American history,” noted Goodheart.  

More information about Issac Mason is available on Enslaved.org. Visit the Starr Center’s webpage to learn more about its work to identify and preserve artifacts, stories and more that contribute to the story of America’s history. 

 

- Dominique Ellis Falcon