History Unveiled: Journey to Freedom - Researching and Writing the Grayson Sisters' Escape

Join us for an inspiring evening with award-winning historian and author Gail Shaffer Blankenau as she unveils the remarkable journey of the Grayson Sisters in her book, Journey to Freedom: Uncovering the Grayson Sisters' Escape from Nebraska Territory.

📚 Discover how Gail pieced together the lives of Celia and Eliza Grayson using court records, newspapers, family histories, and archival discoveries. Gain insights into the history of slavery and the quest for freedom in Nebraska Territory.

🗓️ This engaging lecture is part of the Nebraska History Museum's summer History Unveiled program and is completely free to the public, thanks to the generous support of the Nebraska State Historical Society Foundation.

About the Speaker:

Gail Shaffer Blankenau is a distinguished historian, genealogist, and author based in Nebraska. Her work has earned her accolades, including the 2025 Nebraska Book Award for Nonfiction History and the Silver Midwest Book Award for History. With master's degrees in history and international policy, she has extensive experience researching for museums and archives.

🔍 Gail frequently shares her passion for Nebraska history, genealogy, and research methodology at conferences across the nation, dedicated to recovering overlooked stories.

📍 Location: 131 Centennial Mall North, Lincoln, NE 68508

➡️ Learn more and RSVP on Facebook — the event is free, but spaces may be limited!