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Sponsors & Contributors

City First Bank

River Park Friends in Southwest Washington, D.C.

Humanitites Council

Joseph and Lynn Horning CFNCR

Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development

Randle AME Church

Asbury UMC 

Lloyd D. Smith Foundation

DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities

Eric Gordon 

The Nixon Family

Capitan Maxwell and Vicky Kennedy

ERCPCP

Far NE Weed and Seed

About Lloyd D. Smith (1933-2004)
What was the Pearl?

"The Pearl" is the name of a sixty-five foot Chesapeake Bay Schooner that played an important role in the transportation of enslaved people to safe harbors from Washington, D.C.

In 1848, the schooner was chartered by free African Americans for $100 to help 77 people escape the shackles of slavery. This heroic journey has been documented and is one of the more harrowing stories of the underground path to freedom right here in Washington, D.C.  The free and enslaved passengers were ultimately captured in the Chesapeake Bay and returned.

 

 

April 15th Officially Recognized as The Pearl Coalition "Voyage of Freedom" Day.  


 

This year’s annual event was exceptional; with the support of the District of Columbia City Council, The Pearl Coalition recognized descendents and progenitors of the Pearl Escape with the official DC City Council Resolution CER 20-13.

Rebuilding the Heritage of Washington, D.C.

The Pearl Coalition's mission is to foster a modern cultural understanding of slaves, slavery, and escapes from slavery in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area. This organization is a growing educational institution that will facilitate cultural offerings, destinations, and experiences that highlight the array of racial, social, economic factors and contributions of the people and places involved in the Pearl escape, and the inner workings of the Underground Railroad.

Heritage Tourism & Community Development

The Pearl Coalition's vision is to bring to the Metro region a comprehensive tourism destination connected to the Southwest Waterfront, letting both tourists and residents reconnect with African American heritage linked to Washington D.C.

The flag ship of this destination will be a replica of The Pearl, setting sail on a daily basis on the Anacostia and Potomac Rivers.  The beautiful Pearl and connected experiences will be operated across the board as a social enterprise that will provide job training and educational programs for local youth, create awareness of African American history, and educate visitors to our nation's capital.  Programs and activities will ultimately be operated in collaboration with contracting entities centered around youth development and maritime history.  The Pearl Coalition will also work with historical institutions such as The City Museum of Washington, D.C. or the National African American Museum to present a holistic view of African American history. Read more about our programs.

Living History - Visual Arts Program

Rebuilding The Pearl

One of the most important goals The Coalition has is to restore and rebuild a replica of the The Pearl Schooner to its original likeness. Once completed, The Pearl will be a fully operational sailing vessel and educational destination along the Anacostia and Potomac Rivers. Learn how you can get involved.