Daniel and Mary Bell tried to use the courts to win freedom for their family, so history shows us more details about them than many other enslaved people in the 19th century. We know that Francis Scott Key, who wrote our national anthem, was one of the whites who lined up against freedom for enslaved people like the Bells.

A new film tells the Bells’ story; we talk to director Kwakiutl Dreher and historian William G. Thomas III. Thomas says, "We need to see this part of American history differently-- enslaved people, not as nameless and faceless, but as real people acting in history, who are clearly attempting to claim freedom from day one of the United States."

And we ask two of Mary and Daniel’s descendants about the strength they draw from this history.

The Bell Affair will premiere at Prince George's Publick Playhouse on Thursday, June 2, 2022. Find ticket information and a trailer here.

Daniel and Mary Bell tried to use the courts to win freedom for their family, so history shows us more details about them than many other enslaved people in the 19th century. We know that Francis Scott Key, who wrote our national anthem, was one of the whites who lined up against freedom for enslaved people like the Bells.
A new film tells the Bells&rsquo; story; we talk to director Kwakiutl Dreher and historian William G. Thomas III. Thomas says, "We need to see this part of American history differently-- enslaved people, not as nameless and faceless, but as real people acting in history, who are clearly attempting to claim freedom from day one of the United States."
And we ask two of Mary and Daniel&rsquo;s descendants about the strength they draw from this history.
The Bell Affair will premiere at Prince George's Publick Playhouse on Thursday, June 2, 2022. Find ticket information and a trailer <a href="https://animatinghistory.com/bellaffair/">here</a>.

On The Record is co-hosted by Sheilah Kast and Ashley Sterner. Sheilah and Ashley are excited to share conversations with audacious artists, intrepid scientists, community leaders and more. And of course, tales from the beloved Stoop Storytelling Series!

Currently, you'll hear On The Record on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and the full hour of NPR's Morning Edition on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

On The Record is produced by Maureen Harvie and Melissa Gerr. Theme music created by Jon Ehrens. Logo designed by Louis Umerlik.

If you want to share a comment, question, or an idea for an interview you'd like to hear, email us at ontherecord@wypr.org

On The Record is co-hosted by Sheilah Kast and Ashley Sterner. Sheilah and Ashley are excited to share conversations with audacious artists, intrepid scientists, community leaders and more. And of course, tales from the beloved Stoop Storytelling Series!
Currently, you'll hear On The Record on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and the full hour of NPR's Morning Edition on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
On The Record is produced by Maureen Harvie and Melissa Gerr. Theme music created by Jon Ehrens. Logo designed by Louis Umerlik.
If you want to share a comment, question, or an idea for an interview you'd like to hear, email us at <a href="mailto:ontherecord@wypr.org">ontherecord@wypr.org</a>

On The Record

Catch On the Record, hosted by Sheilah Kast, weekdays from 9:30 to 10:00 am, following NPR's Morning Edition. We'll discuss the issues that affect your life and bring you thoughtful and lively conversations with the people who shape those issues -- business people, public officials, scholars, artists, authors, WYPR reporters and other journalists who can take us inside the story. If you want to share a comment, question, or an idea for an interview you'd like to hear, email us at ontherecord@wypr.org

Catch On the Record, hosted by Sheilah Kast, weekdays from 9:30 to 10:00 am, following NPR's Morning Edition. We'll discuss the issues that affect your life and bring you thoughtful and lively conversations with the people who shape those issues -- business people, public officials, scholars, artists, authors, WYPR reporters and other journalists who can take us inside the story. If you want to share a comment, question, or an idea for an interview you'd like to hear, email us at <a href="mailto:ontherecord@wypr.org">ontherecord@wypr.org</a>

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