Journeys
Start Here
The Family
The Evidence
Explore
The Work
Take Part
1 · Laura's story · 1870–1910
Able to read. Not able to write.
That is what most census takers wrote. Begin with the marks themselves.
Amberly Carter-Mills
2 · Historical background · not evidence
After 1865, freed young people learned in Bureau and church schools, Sabbath schools and at home — often reading long before writing.
This history does not tell us where, when or from whom Laura learned.
BT-CTX-00642 · Background dossier
4 · Research question · not a finding
A possible teacher is a lead, not a finding.
4 · Vicksburg · research dossier
A family account recalls “Vicksburg College.” Which school might it have meant?
Mrs. Green’s school · pupil lists · school and teacher research
Historical background. Laura’s attendance is not documented.
BT-MYS-00814 · 1864–1869
Before Till · Historical dossier
Historical context
Mississippi · after 1865
Before Till · the question we began with
“What do the records show about Laura's literacy?”
What the records tell us
What they can't tell us
Where our evidence begins.
Chapter 4 · Laura Learns to Read
What do the records tell us about Laura's ability to read and write — and what can't they tell us about how she learned?
