We’re bringing walking book tours to the South Coast where we use books as an excuse to take afternoon walks! We stole this idea from the Brits (see here) but are putting a decidedly South Coast spin on it by choosing books and/or authors with a connection to our region.
Upcoming Walking Book Tour:
Spotlighting New Bedford’s Abolition Row through the Pulitzer Prize winning Master Slave Husband Wife
Book: Master Slave Husband Wife by Ilyon Woo
Date: January 22, 2026, 2 to 4 pm (NOTE: this date is changed from the date listed in our Fall/Holiday print issue!)
Location: New Bedford
Details: (Free event, but please register. The registration form is at the bottom of this page.)
We are excited to explore New Bedford’s Abolition Row and the Nathan and Polly Johnson House, accompanied by Master Slave Husband Wife: An Epic Journey from Slavery to Freedom, which recounts the self-emancipation of Ellen and William Craft and their bold escape from Macon, Georgia to the North where they stayed as guests for a time at the Johnson’s home.
Winner of the 2024 Pulitzer Prize for Biography, the book was named one of the best books of the year by The New York Times, The New Yorker, Time, NPR, Smithsonian Magazine, and Oprah Daily. It will be a thrill to highlight the Craft’s connection to New Bedford and to walk in their footsteps.
Where can I find the book?
While there is no need to read the book to enjoy the tour, if you’d like to pick up a copy, you can find it in Dartmouth at Davoll’s General Store and in Westport at Partners Village Store.
Sponsored in part by the New Bedford Cultural Council and the Mass Cultural Council.