About Ona Judge
A Legacy
of Courage
Ona Judge was an enslaved woman in the household of George and Martha Washington. In 1796, she made the courageous decision to escape to freedom in New Hampshire, becoming one of the first known individuals to successfully flee from the Washingtons.
Her bravery remains an enduring symbol of resilience, self-determination, and the relentless pursuit of liberty.
“I’d rather die free, than live to be a slave.”
-Ona Judge
Enslaved at Mount Vernon
Ona Judge is believed to have been born into slavery at George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate.
Lives and Works in the Washington Household
Ona works in the household of George and Martha Washington.
Escapes to Freedom
Ona Judge escapes to New Hampshire, demonstration extraordinary courage and determination.
Builds a New Life in New Hampshire
Ona creates a life of independence in Exeter, NH, where she is known in the community.
Honored Legacy
Ona Judge passes away in Exeter, New Hampshire. Her legacy continues to inspire generations.
1773
Enslaved at Mount Vernon
Ona Judge is believed to have been born into slavery at George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate.
1790s
Lives and Works in the Washington Household
Ona works in the household of George and Martha Washington.
1796
Escapes to Freedom
Ona Judge escapes to New Hampshire, demonstration extraordinary courage and determination.
1797+
Builds a New Life in New Hampshire
Ona creates a life of independence in Exeter, NH, where she is known in the community.
1848
Honored Legacy
Ona Judge passes away in Exeter, New Hampshire. Her legacy continues to inspire generations.
About the
Ona Judge Coalition
The Ona Judge Coalition (TOJC) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, ecumenical, multi-racial alliance of Philadelphians and others committed to ensuring that the true and accurate history of slavery
at. the President’s House is told and preserved. This will be accomplished through a muti-platform public awareness initiative entitled, “Who is Ona Judge?”
Our Goal
Over the next several months, is to preserve the accurate history of slavery through immersive technology, scholarship, community engagement, public discussions and permanent installations.
Educate
Over the next several months, July 4, 2026 and beyond, TOJC endeavors to ensure that an accessible, historically accurate account of slavery at the President’s House remains available to the public in various venues and locations.
Engage
Our initiatives will employ a public forum; digital, physical, and experiential tools to engage audiences; and, create enduring
physical installations and digital resources to safeguard this history.
Highlight
The cultural and educational initiatives will foster dialogue beyond digital storytelling and physical displays. They will also feature lectures, panel discussions and book signings at the African American Museum in Philadelphia, The Free Library and the School District of Philadelphia.
Celebrate
TOJC also celebrates Ona Judge’s courage and determination as the epitome of the strength and resilience of strong Black women over the last 250 years.
Why This Matters Now
History is not static; it is an active choice. For many years, the narrative of America’s founding has centered on George Washington, the founders and Independence Hall. Until 2001, the enslavement of the nine Africans, Austin, Paris, Hercules, Richmond, Giles, Moll, Joe, Christopher Sheels, and Ona Judge was never told.
As Philadelphia approaches the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026, the Ona Judge Coalition (TOJC) is ensuring that the story of the “pursuit of liberty” includes those courageous enslaved people who had to escape to find it.
History is not static; it is an active choice. For many years, the narrative of America’s founding has centered on George Washington, the founders and Independence Hall. Until 2001, the enslavement of the nine Africans, Austin, Paris, Hercules, Richmond, Giles, Moll, Joe, Christopher Sheels, and Ona Judge was never told.
As Philadelphia approaches the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026, the Ona Judge Coalition (TOJC) is ensuring that the story of the “pursuit of liberty” includes those courageous enslaved people who had to escape to find it.
This is our history.
This is our responsibility.
Join the movement to honor Ona Judge, amplify untold stories, and build a more truthful future.