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Through her research and writing, Dorris Keeven-Franke will share the story of Archer Alexander. Once enslaved in St. Charles County, Archer Alexander successfully escaped to St. Louis. His legacy endures as his likeness is ingrained in the image of the enslaved man of the Emancipation Memorial in Washington, D.C.’s Lincoln Park. Join us to learn about Archer Alexander’s struggle for freedom and his lasting legacy, Saturday, December 12th, 2026 at 1:00pm.

This program is free with limited availability in person and on Zoom. Reservations must be made in advance on our website, by calling the Museum at 314-421-4689, or by emailing info@fieldhousemuseum.org.

About the Speaker:

Dorris Keeven-Franke loves to share the more difficult stories that help us understand our history and who we are today. She has been writing those stories and sharing her programs everywhere for nearly thirty years. An award-winning author, she is also a professional genealogist, archivist, and public historian. She spends her time volunteering at Bellefontaine Cemetery and Arboretum and is involved in several local history organizations and Civil War Roundtables. She has been awarded the German-American Friendship Award from the Federal Republic of Germany in recognition of her efforts in fostering a sustaining relationship between Germany and the U.S.. She is actively involved with the NPS National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom by documenting stories of freedom seekers. She has won several awards from local organizations for her efforts.