NEWS & UPDATES
NEW RESEARCH UNDERWAY
October 7, 2020 - The writers of the feature film screenplay in development recently traveled to Kansas City, MO, to delve into state and county archives, uncovering remarkable new details about George Washington’s military service and his life afterward. Records reveal that George owned his own farm and land in an integrated community near Lawrence, Kansas, where he raised a large family—a testament to his resilience and achievements following his time in the military.
The research also shed light on the life of George’s former enslaver, Jesse Miller, and his wife, Margaret. According to George’s oral history, he was given to Margaret and her first husband, Lewis Waller, as a wedding gift when he was an infant. Records indicate Margaret and Lewis had only one child, who died at the age of two. Interestingly, the Waller family’s documented interactions with their enslaved individuals suggest an unusual degree of inclusion in family life. These findings lend credence to George’s description of Jesse as a father figure during his early years, adding a complex layer to their relationship.
This research continues to enrich the screenplay, providing valuable historical context and deepening the story’s authenticity.
SCREENING AT THE MISSOURI HISTORY MUSEUM
February 21, 2016 - The Battle of Island Mound short film screened to a nearly full house at the Missouri History Museum. This was the second screening of the film at the museum. Director Brant Hadfield was on hand for an energetic Q&A session which lasted roughly thirty minutes. Private Washington the feature film concept based upon the narrative subject of the short, was discussed, and received an enthusiastic response from the audience.
Reviews posted to The Battle of Island Mound Facebook page:
I cried several times thinking how it might have felt as those young men literally fought for their freedom knowing what would have happened to them if they were captured. - Britt Eubanks
Saw this film yesterday at the Missouri History Museum and recommend it highly - it's powerful and strongly presented. See it! - Linda Eastman
I feel so proud both as an African American and a United States Marine Corps Veteran! - Alphonso J. Dalton
October 4, 2015 - The Battle of Island Mound received two Emmy Awards last night at the Mid-America Chapter NATAS awards dinner in St. Louis. One award for best Historical Documentary, and another for Cinematography in a program. Thanks to everyone who dedicated their time and energy to making this important project happen.
July 19, 2015 - The DVD of The Battle of Island Mound film and bonus material was included among some other 29 items sealed inside a time capsule at the Missouri State Capitol building on July 3, 2015. The capsule was dedicated at a ceremony presided over by Governor Jay Nixon, marking the 100th anniversary of the capitol building, and will be opened on the 200th anniversary in 2115. A capsule sealed in the cornerstone in 1915 was opened prior to the re dedication. A private citizen of Jefferson City suggested the DVD, and it made the final cut among other suggestions. Whether the DVD media will survive the passage of 100 years is a good question. But hopefully the disc's presence will motivate preservationists to locate a surviving copy in digital form somewhere if the disc itself will no longer play.