RICHMOND HILL, GA – The Richmond Hill Convention and Visitors Bureau and Wine & Words Book Club will host an open Book Club Discussion of “Master Slave Husband Wife: An Epic Journey from Slavery to Freedom” on Thursday, Nov. 12, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. at the Richmond Hill City Center. The event will feature Julia-Ellen Craft Davis, great-great-granddaughter of William and Ellen Craft. Their daring 1848 escape from slavery continues to capture national attention to this day.
Guests will hear firsthand about the Crafts’ legacy while participating in an engaging, book club-style discussion of Ilyon Woo’s Pulitzer Prize-winning book for Biography, “Master Slave Husband Wife.” Born into slavery in Macon, Georgia, William and Ellen Craft devised a daring plan to secure their freedom. Ellen, whose light complexion enabled her to disguise herself as a wealthy white gentleman, traveled with William, who posed as “his” enslaved servant. Together, they embarked on a perilous journey north, ultimately escaping bondage and becoming prominent advocates for abolition. Following the Civil War, the Crafts established the Woodville Cooperative Farm School in 1873, near present day Richmond Hill, to educate and provide employment opportunities to former enslaved people.
“The Crafts’ remarkable story is closely tied to Bryan County, and we’re excited to help share that history,” said Christy Sherman, executive director of Richmond Hill Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Having a member of the Craft family here gives us a unique opportunity to bring visitors to Richmond Hill and introduce them to an important part of our community’s heritage.”
Unlike traditional lectures, this program is designed to offer a relaxed and interactive atmosphere where guests are encouraged to ask questions, share perspectives, and explore the historical significance of the Crafts’ journey.
“The story of William and Ellen Craft is one of the most extraordinary examples of courage and perseverance in American history,” said April Cameron, general manager of Richmond Hill City Center. “We are honored to welcome Julia-Ellen Craft Davis to Richmond Hill to share her family’s story and to offer our community an opportunity to engage with a powerful chapter of our nation’s past in a meaningful and personal way.”
This event is free and open to the public, and guests do not need to be a member of Wine & Words Book Club to attend. While reading “Master Slave Husband Wife” beforehand is encouraged, it is not required. While in Richmond Hill, attendees can view an exhibit on the Crafts at the Richmond Hill History Museum and visit Fort McAllister State Historic Park.
Pre-registration is required and can be completed at VisitRichmondHill.com.
About Richmond Hill City Center
Richmond Hill City Center is a 20,000 square-foot event space that includes a 4,000 square-foot ballroom and 10 meeting rooms. The multi-room facility is a popular choice for art exhibits, weddings, corporate meetings, and more. Just 12 miles south of Savannah, the Richmond Hill City Center offers a premier event space in coastal Georgia.
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