View moments of the first-ever bronze sculpture of 19th century African American Solomon Northup titled “Hope Out of Darkness” captured during its 10 month tour to five cities and three states. The Solomon Northup Monument Photography Exhibit was created by by Rev. James Theus, Founder and Vice President of the Solomon Northup Committee for Commemorative Works.

Northup was born a free person of color and citizen of New York, until late March 1841 when he was drugged, kidnapped and wrongfully enslaved in Avoyelles & Rapides Parishes from June 1841 to January 4, 1853. Northup’s remarkable story was recounted in his 1853 slave-narrative Twelve Years A Slave and has inspired many artistic works from art, music, poetry, plays, and written works. Northup’s life is celebrated annually in Saratoga Springs, NY and has inspired Gordon Parks’ PBS television movie “Solomon Northup’s Odyssey”, and Steve McQueen’s Oscar-winning Best Picture “12 Years A Slave”.

Exhibit Dates: January 4 – 30, 2026

Hours: Monday: 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
             Tuesday – Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM

Location: Gallery on the Square, 122 East Mark Street, Marksville