Salem Historical Society to Feature Sojourner Truth Program
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The Salem Historical Society will hold its next membership meeting at 7 p.m. tonight featuring historical re-enactor Eddie Murphy presenting "Sojourner Truth, American Abolitionist."
Sojourner Truth, born Isabella Baumfree around 1797, escaped slavery in 1826 and became a prominent abolitionist, women's rights advocate and powerful orator. She lived in Salem during the 1850s, becoming active in the abolitionist movement and women's rights advocacy.
Truth is perhaps best known for her 1851 speech, "Ain't I A Woman?", delivered at the Ohio Women's Rights Convention in Akron. She spent her life advocating for the abolition of slavery and equal rights.
Murphy, a Wellsville native, returned to the village after nearly four decades in southern California. She is currently president of the Wellsville Community Foundation. She previously presented a program on Harriet Tubman at the Salem Historical Society in July 2025.
The meeting is open to the public. Parking is available in the municipal parking lot across from the lower level of Dale Shaffer Research Library at 239 S. Lundy Ave.