The Dred Scott case, which began in a local courtroom, ended with the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling that slaves had no rights and that the "Missouri Compromise" was unconstitutional. Congress, the court decided, did not have the right to prohibit slavery. The decision, issued March 6, 1857, ultimately lit the match that ignited the Civil War.

This Saturday, August 12, a Festival of Freedom remembers Scott's life and honors his family's fight for freedom.

A musical composition entitled Freedom Suite, written for the Dred Scott family by Dr. Barbara Harbach, Professor of Music at the University of MissouriSt. Louis, will also be performed by the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra.

Kids will have the chance to learn from special activities created for their age by Time 4 Fun and spend time coloring The Dred Scott Activity and Coloring Book, at the History Clubhouse for Kids.

Local actors John LaGrone and Peggy Nealy Harris from the Dred Scott Theatre Troupe and the Missouri History Museums Civil Rights Exhibit will be portraying important figures from the Dred Scott case. Local artists Debi Pickler and Cbabi Bayoc will make art on the scene in the Grand Hall.

Currently, the Missouri History Museum is hosting an exhibit on civil rights,which people are encouraged to take a look at during the day as well.

This anniversary year is marked by two critical events: The apology to me from Charlie Taney, a descendant of Chief Justice Roger B. Taney, in Maryland on March 6, 2017, and this Freedom Festival," says Lynne Jackson, great-great granddaughter of Dred Scott and president and founder of The Dred Scott Heritage Foundation. "Both are very meaningful and historic events for the 160th anniversary of the Dred Scott Decision. We look forward to sharing the day with everyone."

The event is free and open to the public.

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Remember Dred Scott This Weekend at the Festival of Freedom - Riverfront Times (blog)