2025 THE ROAD TO MARKSVILLE
Solomon Northup: Hope Out of Darkness
A Traveling Exhibit
The Solomon Northup: Hope Out of Darkness traveling exhibit launched in February 2025. During its ten month exhibition in five cities, this original inaugural bronze likeness of Solomon Northup, was hosted by an array of organizations in multiple states- all with historical ties to American slave history or Northup’s own harrowing reverse trajectory of enslavement as a free-person of color. As a singular traveling work, and not within its final installation site, the figure takes on a persona of strength and resilience. Once installed in the custom designed plaza at Marksville, LA, the journey of Solomon Northup’s near twelve years of enslavement is encapsulated and reconciled as one of endurance and justice.
Wednesday, 10:00 AM | BOSTON, MA
City of Boston Welcomes “Solomon Northup: Hope Out of Darkness” Temporary Installation
22
OCT
2025
North American Indian Center of Boston and the Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy host a new temporary art installation of 19th century abolitionist Solomon Northup 168 years since he appeared in Boston. Having appeared in Boston and other locations throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Northup spoke on abolitionist platforms, lecture halls and private gatherings. He is known for his acclaimed slave-narrative Twelve Years A Slave (1853) amongst academics and historians and having inspired the 2013 Oscar winning film ’12 Years A Slave’.
Exhibit Dates: October 7 – December 7
Location: Boston Harbor Islands Pavilion at Rose Kennedy Greenway
Directions: 191 W. Atlantic Ave, Boston, MA
Thursday, 10:00 AM | SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY
OPRHP’s Our Whole History: Saratoga Spa State Park Unveiling of Solomon Northup Sculpture
10
JULY
2025
Saratoga Spa State Park, in conjunction with New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation initiative “Our Whole History”, will host a temporary installation of the first-ever bronze sculpture of 19th century Saratogian Solomon Northup titled “Hope Out of Darkness”.
Exhibit Dates: July 7 – October 7
Location: Lincoln Bath House at Saratoga Spa State Park
Directions: Saratoga Spa State Park at Lincoln Baths, 65 S. Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
Saturday, 1:00 - 2:30 PM | HAVERSTRAW, NY
Welcome Ceremony for Solomon Northup Sculpture
03
MAY
2025
Haverstraw African American Connection will host a temporary installation of a new sculpture by Wesley Wofford titled “Hope Out of Darkness” at HAA Memorial Park.
Exhibit Dates: April 25 – July 7
Location: Haverstraw African American Memorial Park
Hours: Dawn to Dusk
Directions: Haverstraw African American Memorial Park, 41 Clinton St. Haverstraw, NY 10927
Thursday, 5:00 - 6:30 PM | ALEXANDRIA, LA
Ribbon Cutting & Reception Welcoming the Solomon Northup Sculpture
20
MAR
2025
Alexandria Museum of Art will host a ribbon cutting to welcome the temporary installation of the Solomon Northup sculpture. A reception will follow hosted by the Chamber of Commerce.
Exhibit Dates: March 17 – April 22
Location: Alexandria Museum of Art at Main Street
Hours: Anytime
Directions: Alexandria Museum of Art, 933 Main St, Alexandria, LA 71301
Saturday, 12:30 - 3:00 PM | WALLACE, LA
Inaugural Unveiling of Solomon Northup Sculpture “Hope Out of Darkness”
17
FEB
2025
Join us at Whitney Plantation’s 10th Annual Ancestral Blessing Ceremony with Sister Sula (@sulaspirit), @babaluther and the Congo Square Drummers. This year, we are proud to unveil “Hope Out of Darkness,” a statue of Solomon Northup, created by sculptor Wesley Wofford.
Exhibit Dates: February 17 – March 17
Location: Whitney Plantation
Directions: Whitney Plantation, 5099 Louisiana Hwy 18, Wallace, LA 70049
