At the National Park Service’s National Capital Region office, Dr. Kate Masur recently joined local educators, to discuss Freedom Was in Sight! A Graphic History of Reconstruction in the Washington, D.C., Region. This innovative graphic novel, created with illustrator Liz Clarke and published by UNC Press, brings the complex Reconstruction era to life for high school students and young adults especially. Developed in collaboration with the Organization of American Historians (OAH) and funded by the NPS through the CESU Network, the book aims to make history more accessible, combining text and visuals to engage young adults in a period often overlooked.

A Collaborative Approach to Teaching Reconstruction

This graphic history was conceived by former NPS chief historian Dr. Dean Herrin, who partnered with Dr. Masur, a Northwestern University history professor, to address the gap in accessible educational resources on Reconstruction. Herrin’s successor, Dr. Emily Button Kambic, along with Dr. Paul Zwirecki of OAH, continued the project, emphasizing the importance of visual storytelling to make historical events more relatable and engaging. The collaboration highlights NPS’s commitment to enhancing historical education with expert perspectives and specialized research that deepen understanding of the nation’s past.

Empowering Educators with New Perspectives and Resources

During the session, Dr. Masur shared her vision for the book: to present Reconstruction’s history through diverse Black experiences, including gender and class perspectives, and to move beyond the familiar narrative of setbacks. Extending the timeline to the late 1890s, she addresses both the gains and the challenges, including the rise of Jim Crow laws. Teachers left inspired by the book’s approach, noting the value of primary source quotes, document-based question prompts, and lesson plans that invite students to analyze and discuss this pivotal period.

A Title That Captures Determination

The title, Freedom Was in Sight, comes from Nellie Plummer’s account of her mother’s escape from slavery, capturing the courage and determination of those who sought freedom. Dr. Masur explained that the book is designed not to oversimplify but to show the era’s complexity, giving students a richer understanding. Teachers saw this resource as an empowering way to bring Reconstruction’s history into classrooms, fostering a connection with the struggles and resilience of diverse individuals who shaped America’s past.

Through this work, the NPS continues to make American history powerful, accessible, and engaging for the next generation. Freedom Was in Sight is now available in paperback, hardcover, and e-book editions from publisher UNC Press.

Photo Caption: Matthew Kanagarathinam holding a copy of Freedom Was in Sight.