In this blog post, Kenyatta D. Berry, J.D., discusses marriages of former slaves in Virginia and recounts her own family story.

Anya Jabour, Ph.D., explains that for emancipated African Americans, wedding celebrations offered one of the first opportunities to enjoy freedom.

In this blog post, Jane E. Schultz, Ph.D., details the relief work done by clergy and laypeople during the Civil War and the complex subject of nursing the enemy.

Anya Jabour, Ph.D., explores the multitude of women who dressed as men to fight—and die—in all the major battles of the Civil War.

Anya Jabour, Ph.D., explores the courage and perseverance of Harriet Jacobs.

Audrey P. Davis, Director of the Alexandria Black History Museum, discusses the parallels between Charlotte Jenkins and real life abolitionists who challenged racism, slavery and the roles of women.

Genealogist Kenyatta D. Berry discusses the history of Harriet Tubman and how Charlotte Jenkins channels her strength in Mercy Street.

Jane E. Schultz, Ph.D., explains how the growth of the railway and urgent need for qualified nursing staff during wartime led to an explosion in independent women traveling the United States.

Anya Jabour, Ph.D., details how southern women frequently served as secret agents in the Civil War, using every means possible to demonstrate their patriotism—whether that meant supporting the Confederacy or remaining loyal to the Union.

Anya Jabour, Ph.D., explains how most contraband camps were dismal if not downright dangerous places, and how Union authorities were unprepared for the influx of refugees—particularly those who could not be recruited into the ranks of the Union Army. From Fulton, Missouri, one Union captain wrote to his senior officer: “What are we to do with the women and children?”

Genealogist Kenyatta D. Berry looks at how the term "Contraband" came to be, and the hardship, and sometimes impossibility, of marriage during slavery.

Audrey P. Davis, Director of the Alexandria Black History Museum, discusses the significance of a new character in Season 2, Charlotte Jenkins, based off of the historic figure Harriet Jacobs.

Jane E. Schultz, Ph.D., tells how dressing up as an extra for Mercy Street gave her new insights into the lives and restrictions of 19th century women.

In this blog post, Jane E. Schultz, Ph.D., examines the psychological impacts of the war on nurses, as seen with Nurse Mary in the Mercy Street Season Finale.