Welcome to the Du Bois Freedom Center!
“Education must not simply teach work—it must teach life.” - W.E.B. Du Bois
Our Mission
The mission of the W.E.B. Du Bois Center for Freedom and Democracy is to educate the public about the life and legacy of civil rights pioneer W.E.B. Du Bois and the rich African American heritage of the Berkshires.
Located at the former Clinton A.M.E. Zion Church in Great Barrington, where he was born and raised, this vibrant center of Black thought and remembrance constitutes the first museum and living memorial in North America dedicated to Du Bois’ life and legacy.
We are building more than a memorial — a living space for reflection, scholarship, and cultural exchange. Together with our community, we are establishing the premier institution advancing Du Bois' vision and connecting Great Barrington to national and global conversations on democracy, freedom, and equity.
Visit Us
Our Visitor History Center is located at 309 Main Street, Great Barrington. We welcome visitors on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday during our regular office hours, from 11AM to 3PM.
You are welcome to book a time to come visit with us outside of our regular hours. Please reach out to us at office@duboisfreedomcenter.org to schedule your visit.
Presenting Elizabeth Freeman:
Reimagined!
July 17 through October 30
309 Main Street, Great Barrington MA
A Unique Exhibit of Student -Led Works Celebrating the Life, Story, and Legacy of
Elizabeth Freeman
Abby Glover, Massachusetts College of Art and Design
In Collaboration With
DFC Summer Walking Tour
Late May – September | Every other Saturday | 1:00 – 2:30 PM
Honoring the life, legacy, and rich Black history of W.E.B. Du Bois and the Berkshires, our guided tours explore the stories, places, and people that shaped him and this region. Led by Marcus Smith and Damion Scott, Ph.D. students in the W.E.B. Du Bois Department of African American Studies at UMass Amherst. Open to visitors, K–12 students, educators, scholars, and local residents.
Upcoming Dates
June 27 · July 11 & 25 · Aug 8 & 22 · Sept 5 & 19
Admission
$25 General · $15 Students & Seniors (65+) · Children under 10 free
Explore DFC’s Summer Lineup !
August 20-21
‘1781’-A Staged Reading of The Story of Elizabeth Freeman
A Co-Production with The Berkshire Theatre Group, this compelling new work is inspired by one of the Berkshires’ most extraordinary true stories.
Written and researched by Lonnie Carter and Linda Rossi, and directed by Clinton Turner Davis, 1781 tells the story of Elizabeth Freeman, (known as Mum Bett), and Brom, two enslaved people who courageously challenged the institution of slavery in a landmark 1781 Berkshire County court case that set the path for the abolition of slavery in the Commonwealth.
Presented as a staged reading at the Unicorn Theatre in Stockbridge, 1781 invites audiences to experience a powerful new theatrical work while exploring a pivotal chapter in Berkshire history. Through moments of courage, resilience, and hope, the play illuminates the remarkable legacy of Elizabeth Freeman and the pursuit of justice that continues to inspire generations.
August 1
Parading To Tanglewood: A Gathering at Berkshire Busk!
Tanglewood musicians join other artists from across the region, including Yo-Yo Ma’s friend and fiddler Ida Mae Specker, to bring the sounds of Tanglewood into the streets of Great Barrington. Hosted by Marcus P. Smith, History and Interpretative Fellow for the Du Bois Freedom Center, the event will include Fellows of the Tanglewood Music Center and musicians from the BU Tanglewood Institute alongside Berkshire Busk! artists who energize the region’s streets and public spaces throughout the summer. Together outdoors in Great Barrington, these artists will present an evening that celebrates the “musical universe” of the Berkshires and the creativity and shared spirit that help ground its community.
August 20-22
Elizabeth Freeman Celebration Weekend
Join the Du Bois Freedom Center for a full weekend throughout the Berkshires, honoring the life and legacy of Elizabeth Freeman, culminating in a very special celebration as we unveil a permanent interactive storytelling kiosk recognizing her remarkable journey.
The kiosk will stand in front of Great Barrington Town Hall on Main Street, where residents and visitors alike can learn the remarkable story of how Elizabeth Freeman won her freedom in a court of law in 1781 — a case that paved the way for the abolition of slavery in Massachusetts. Fittingly, Great Barrington Town Hall is located on the exact site of the courthouse where Elizabeth Freeman’s case was heard.
Watch for Full Details on This Special Weekend of Events
“The W. E. B. Du Bois Center for Freedom and Democracy presents a singular opportunity to reclaim and extend in Du Bois’ hometown, the Black intellectual, artistic traditions, and social movements to which he dedicated his life’s work.”
—David Levering Lewis, Pulitzer Prize-winning Du Bois Biographer