DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) -- An exhibit will illustrate the journey of the Randolph Freedpeople -- and their legacy in parts of the Miami Valley.
The Freed Will Exhibit showcases the Randolph Freedpeople, highlighting their perseverance, hardship and determination. In 1846, the group of 383 newly emancipated people dealt with violence, obstacles and more before their journey to find a home of their own.
They eventually settled in the Miami Valley after traveling from West Virginia.
"It's a story that is really universal throughout, no matter where people have come from, here to the U.S, they have always had some type of struggle or some type of adversity," said Katie Indoe, Dayton Metro Library programming assistant.
The display, containing items, photos and more, is available now at the Dayton Metro Library Main Branch, and it does more than just tell the story of the Randolph Freedpeople. It also illustrates their legacy, as many have stayed in the Miami Valley and went on to play huge roles in various industries.
The exhibit details their journey from their emancipation to their settling in parts of Troy, Shelby County and Piqua. Items were collected to show what they had with them during their chase for total freedom in a world where some showed them violence.
"The artifacts and the pieces that are here really tell that personal story, when you can see the items and the things that they held, that were important to them," said Indoe.
From this group, their descendants went on to become politicians, musicians, and even serve their country.
Names such as Samuel Robert Johnson and James P. Humphrey are on display, showcasing their achievements. Their roots can still be found in the area.
"Their descendants are still living. People who are related to these people who were emancipated, they are still living, some of them are here in Ohio," Indoe explained. "Some of them are still here in the Miami Valley, some have even traveled and beyond and are throughout the world."
The exhibit shows a story of focus and determination to truly become free -- and organizers hope that those who come to read their story and see the items they held will see a connection to themselves in the Randolph Freedpeople.
"Looking and seeing the faces, and seeing the smiles and the places they went and the things that they owned, and the things that they made, it can really make a connection of 'that could be my grandmother, that can be my aunt, that could be my son or my daughter,'" Indoe said.
The Freed Will Exhibit will be on display until Feb. 29 at the Dayton Metro Library, located at 215 E. Third Street. It is free and open to the public.
To learn more about the exhibit, visit the Dayton Metro Library's website.