Storyteller portrays life of Civil War era slave at DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum

Betsy Costner, portrayed by storyteller and character interpreter Shelia Arnold, sings spirituals.

A program titled What is This Thing Called Freedom? will be held 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 4 and Saturday, Aug. 11 at the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum.   Shelia Arnold will portray Betsy Costner, who was born into slavery in North Carolina. Arnold will share Costner's life before, during and after the Civil War. Attendees will learn about Costner's walk through the Second Middle Passage, a forced migration of slaves to the Deep South. They will also hear about Costner's interactions with Civil War soldier and her struggles, excitement and fears regarding freedom.   Arnold is a storyteller and character interpreter.   Any Revolutionary City ticket, annual pass, Good Neighbor pass or museum pass will provide access to the program.   Museum programs are supported by the DeWitt Wallace Endowment Fund.   The DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum is located at 326 W. Francis St., Williamsburg.   For more information, call 757-220-7724.

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