By Richie Oliver

In 1838, Frederick Douglass escaped slavery for the second time. For a brief time in his journey to freedom, Douglass was housed by Nathan and Mary “Polly” Johnson, right in the heart of New Bedford. Born Frederick Augustus Washington Bailey, he would marry Anna Murray and, with suggestion from the Johnsons, would accept the name of Douglass. From 1838 to 1841, Douglass called New Bedford his home, where he would become one of the most prominent anti-slavery voices in history, with his writing and oratory remarks becoming one of the sparks of the wider abolitionist movement.

As mentioned before, the home where the Douglasses stayed was owned by Nathan and Mary “Polly” Johnson, who housed and helped escaped slaves via the Underground Railroad since 1822. By 1850, they became one of the richest African-American couples in the city, which helped with their involvement in the abolition of slavery.

New Bedford’s Underground Railroad

Because New Bedford was a busy port, many escaped slaves found refuge in New Bedford, and the Johnsons helped a significant number with accommodations during their journeys. Famously, Nathan Johnson led a group of 24 men to the house of John Howard, driving him from the city after it was found that Howard was there to research information on escaped slaves. 

Polly Johnson’s story is also an important one to share. Running the most famous confectionery shop in the city, helping escaped slaves achieve freedom, and giving back to the city through abolitionist meetings and donations are just some of the wonderful things she has done for the city.

Sweet Freedom Film

Alyssa Botelho, a local filmmaker from Fairhaven, just screened her short film Sweet Freedom, about the true story of Polly Johnson. In the film, Johnson struggles with the decision to let her best friend, Betsey Gibson, reunite with her family in Jamaica, which could potentially re-enslave her. This film, a powerful representation of both Polly and the abolitionist movement, captures this “unsung” part of New Bedford’s history.

Nathan and Polly Johnson’s story is one of resilience, one of generosity, and one of history, making them personal heroes to many in the city of New Bedford. 

Experience the History

The Nathan and Polly Johnson House is a designated National Historic Landmark at 21 Seventh Street in New Bedford. While the house is currently undergoing renovations, appointments can be made to tour the house by contacting the New Bedford Historical Society at info@nbhistoricalsociety.org.

Alyssa Botelho’s short film “Sweet Freedom” is showing at select screenings. To learn more about Botelho and the film, follow the filmmaker on Instagram @alyssa.botelho and check out her portfolio.