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Sponsors & Contributors

City First Bank

River Park Friends in Southwest Washington, D.C.

Strauss Foundation

DC Arts and Humanitites Council

 

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.

 

The Pearl Coalition Needs Your Help

 

BECOME A PART OF LIVING HISTORY BY MAKING A DONATION TODAY

We have made great progress in the past year thanks to our founding supporters, volunteers and friends. Thanks to your support, we were able to raise over $150,000 in donations, grants and sponsorships.  However, we still have a long way to go! Your support is still needed to raise the $300,000 necessary to complete the building of the “Spirit of the Pearl” for her historic return to the SW Waterfront in Washington DC on the anniversary of the escape by April 15th 2010.  To make a contribution, click on the Donate button on any page of our website.

 

SUPPORT THE PEARL COALITION AND CAPTAIN MAXWELL KENNEDY

As we embark on our mission to bring a vital piece of African-American history (The Spirit of the Pearl schooner) back to the waters and citizens of our nation’s capital.  The sailing of the "Spirit of the Pearl" from Central America to Washington’s S.W. Waterfront will mark the historic return of the “Pearl.” This Voyage of Freedom will begin the official kick-off of the Pearl Coalition’s programming and cultural offerings for the residents of Washington DC and surrounding communities, as well as visitors to our nations’ capital. With your help, we will build a replica of the original Schooner Pearl, and establish it as the centerpiece of cultural heritage on the Potomac and Anacostia rivers.

 
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.


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.