Eliza Winston's Fight for Freedom

Eliza Winston was brought to Minnesota in 1860 as an enslaved woman. On the shores of Lake Harriet, she fought for her freedom and escaped bondage. Join us at this site to learn more about her story through talks, digital maps, kids' activities, and an opportunity to help secure a park bench in her name. This community day is part of We Want More History, a coordinated national day of programming to strengthen civic health, build community trust, foster democratic dialogue, and showcase the vital role of history in public life. The event is supported by community historian & public school teacher Jason Benjamin, who inspired this effort to honor Eliza Winston by creating a place where people can learn her story; Hennepin History Museum, which currently has an exhibit about Eliza Winston; Mapping Prejudice, which used its digital mapping expertise to identify the location of her escape from this place; and history keepers in the community who will share the rich history of African Americans in Minneapolis.