History comes to life at Carroll County Historical Society gathering
Eddie Murphy’s Harriet Tubman portrayal highlights annual dinner meeting
Reenactor Eddie Murphy portrays abolitionist Harriet Tubman during the Carroll County Historical Society’s annual dinner meeting May 16 at Cora Miller’s Banquet Hall. Murphy presented a first-person reenactment tracing Tubman’s life from slavery through her work on the Underground Railroad and during the Civil War.
Thomas Clapper
A moving, powerful portrayal of Harriet Tubman by reenactor Eddie Murphy highlighted the Carroll County Historical Society’s annual dinner meeting May 16 at Cora Miller’s Banquet Hall.
Murphy, a Wellsville native and president of the Wellsville Community Foundation, was introduced by McCook House curator Kathleen Horn. Horn told attendees Murphy has spent years researching Tubman’s life and developing the historical portrayal, which she originally created as a gift for her sister.
Murphy delivered a first-person reenactment tracing Tubman’s life from slavery in Maryland to her work leading enslaved people to freedom along the Underground Railroad and later serving the Union Army during the Civil War.
Throughout the presentation, Murphy spoke as Tubman, recounting the hardships she endured after suffering a traumatic head injury as a child and the determination that led her to repeatedly return south to guide others to freedom.
“I had tasted a little bit of freedom, and I wanted more freedom,” Murphy said during the reenactment while portraying Tubman.
Murphy also portrayed Tubman describing the danger and faith involved in leading enslaved people north through the Underground Railroad network.
“You got a choice. You can die here, or you can keep on walking,” she said during one portion of the presentation.
The emotional presentation received strong audience reaction and discussion following the reenactment. Murphy said Tubman’s story continues to resonate because of her faith and perseverance.
“It wasn’t me. It was the Lord,” Murphy said while concluding the portrayal.
Murphy will return later this year during McCook House History Day to portray abolitionist and women’s rights advocate Sojourner Truth, according to Horn.
The presentation followed the Carroll County Historical Society’s annual business meeting, which included officer installations, preservation updates and announcements about upcoming programs at the McCook House Museum and Heritage Center.
Jennifer Cramer was installed as president of the organization. Other officers installed included James Shafer, vice president; Bob Korns, secretary; and Jewel Gallon, treasurer. Debbie Parker and Bob Leggett were installed as trustees.
President Jennifer Cramer also announced the Historical Society recently received a $42,869 donation through the Karen L. Berkshire Trust.
“We are very grateful for this generous donation and support,” Cramer said, noting society members do not know much about Berkshire but appreciate the contribution and plan to use the funds carefully for future Historical Society efforts.
Horn reviewed a full slate of upcoming McCook House events scheduled throughout the summer and fall. Activities include a Victorian tea in June, a Mark Twain presentation in July, an August rummage sale and ice cream social, and historical walking tours in September.
Horn also announced plans for McCook House History Day Sept. 19, featuring Civil War and Revolutionary War presentations, reenactors, music and the planting of a commemorative tree honoring the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary.
The McCook House Museum will also continue seasonal exhibits and its annual Christmas tree display later this year. Horn noted last year’s event featured 22 decorated trees throughout the historic home.
During the meeting, Historical Society officials also discussed continued restoration work on the historic boiler at the McCook House and Heritage Center complex. It was reported the boiler is currently being restored in Wisconsin after being removed from beneath the building.
Updates were also provided on the Carroll County newspaper digitization project, which is making historic newspapers available online through the Carroll County District Library and Ohio Memory. Organizers said the project is expected to take several more years to complete.
The Historical Society also recognized Graden Cook as the recipient of this year’s Carroll County Historical Society scholarship, which was increased to $1,000.
Rex Sponhaltz and Randi Bake also spoke during the evening about preservation and renovation efforts involving the Van Horne building and Renaissance Ice Cream Parlor in downtown Carrollton.
