Learning from Solomon Northrup, recreated

Clifford Oliver as Simon Northrup, holding violin

History came to life at BKW recently, when Clifford Oliver recreated for middle school-level students the persona of Solomon Northup, a free, African-American New Yorker kidnapped into slavery before the Civil War.

Northrup’s story, first written as a memoir in 1853, was told in the 2013 film “12 Years a Slave.”

The Dec. 16 educational opportunity was made possible through the assistance of the Knox Historical Society and a grant from Stewart’s.

“Mr. Oliver’s program has been presented at many area schools, and we were honored to welcome him to BKW,” said 7th grade teacher Emily DeNovio.

Historical reenactor Clifford Oliver