Uncle Tom’s Cabin: An American Classic?

About This Event

As part of our Celebrate250! Series marking the 250th anniversary of the United States, we invite you to explore one of the most influential—and controversial—novels in American history. Published in 1852, Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe became a literary phenomenon, selling more copies in the nineteenth century than any book except the Bible. The novel helped shape public opinion in the years leading up to the Civil War. Yet from the moment it appeared, it sparked debate—and it continues to do so today. Why has this book endured? Why has it divided readers for more than 170 years? In this engaging program, a guest speaker from the Harriet Beecher Stowe House will guide us through: How and why Stowe wrote the novel The iconic characters and unforgettable scenes that captured a nation’s attention The rise of “Tom shows” and early film adaptations The evolution of the term “Uncle Tom” The book’s revival and reinterpretation by feminist critics Together, we will consider how Harriet Beecher Stowe’s voice speaks to us now—and what this American classic reveals about the issues we continue to face. REGISTRATION REQUIRED General Admission: $15 per person We are open to the general public. Our venue is fully accessible with a ramp entrance.