Never Caught: The Washingtons & Ona Marie Judge - BNEC 2026 Bus Tour

Friday, October 23 at 8:00 AM
Never Caught: The Washingtons & Ona Marie Judge
Portsmouth Tour with Sankofa Scholar Sonya Arroyo
Cost: $55 per person
Leaving from Manchester, NH.

On this tour, you will hear the extraordinary story of Ona Marie Judge, a young woman enslaved by George and Martha Washington who made the courageous decision to free herself rather than remain in bondage to America’s First Family.

In the spring of 1796, Ona escaped from the Washingtons’ executive mansion in Philadelphia with help from the city’s free Black community and journeyed north to Portsmouth, New Hampshire, where she built a new life while living under the constant threat of capture. As you drive through Portsmouth’s historic streets and along the waterfront, you’ll trace Ona’s path to freedom and discover her ties to some of the state’s most prominent families, including the Langdons, Whipples, and Lears. Along the way, you’ll uncover President Washington’s relentless efforts to capture Ona and explore the networks of resistance, courage, and community that helped sustain her freedom.

Please note: Each tour requires a minimum of 20 participants to run. If fewer than 20 people register, we will notify you at least 48 hours in advance and provide a full refund or the opportunity to transfer to another tour. All tours depart from Manchester. Location TBD.