Nancy, an original, award-winning historical play

The Bridge Builders of Kingsport, in partnership with the Heritage Alliance, will present Nancy, an original, award-winning historical play by Anne G’Fellers-Mason, on Thursday, February 26, at 6:30 p.m. at Central Baptist Church, 301 Carver Street, Kingsport. A panel discussion will follow the performance.

Nancy explores the untold story of an enslaved woman owned by abolitionist Elihu Embree, founder of The Emancipator, the nation’s first newspaper devoted solely to ending slavery. While Embree’s life is well documented, the play asks audiences to consider Nancy’s thoughts, emotions, and fate during a pivotal year in her life. Set between January 1820, when Embree wrote his will, and January 1821, when it was read before the Washington County Court, the play draws heavily from documents housed in the Washington County Archives. Embree attempted to free Nancy and her five children in his will—but whether those wishes were honored remains uncertain.

The role of Nancy will be performed by Taleah D. Rogers, M.Ed., a Johnson City native, Science Hill High School graduate, and 25-year veteran educator. Rogers is active in numerous community organizations and previously appeared in the McKinney Center’s 2023 production of Crowns.

Written specifically for the Heritage Alliance, Nancy has received an Award of Excellence from the Tennessee Association of Museums and an Award for History in the Media from the East Tennessee Historical Society

Donations from this performance will support the history education and preservation missions of the Heritage Alliance of Kingsport and Jonesborough.

For more information about the Heritage Alliance, visit www.heritageall.org.

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About the Heritage Alliance: The Heritage Alliance is dedicated to the preservation of the architectural, historical, and cultural heritage of our region and to providing educational experiences related to history and heritage for a wide range of audiences. Visit the Heritage Alliance at the Jonesborough/Washington County History Museum inside the Visitors Center, at the Chester Inn State Historic Site and Museum, and at the Oak Hill Schoolhouse.

The Chester in State Historic Site and Museum is a state-owned historic site operated by the Heritage Alliance.