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The Hutchinson Family Singers took 19th-century America by storm. Their fame rivaled and even outshone the stars of today. 


Through their performances in front of interracial audiences, they also changed hearts and minds about some of the big political issues of the day, like slavery and womens' rights. 

The Hutchinson brothers and their families made their way west to Minnesota and founded the town that bears their name in McLeod county in 1855.

 
The Rose Ensemble is performing "Singing for Freedom: The Antislavery Campaign of the Hutchinson Family Singers" with guests T Mychael Rambo and Maria Jette this weekend at the Minnesota History Center.


Scott Gac, director of American Studies at Trinity College in Connecticut and the author of a book on the Hutchinson Family Singers, has been working with the ensemble on the concerts. He spoke with MPR News' Tom Crann about the singers.

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Through their performances in front of interracial audiences in the 19th century, the Hutchinson Family Singers changed hearts and minds about slavery.

Antislavery Hutchinson Family Singers inspire new concert

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