What is the connection between the Ridgely family of Hampton Plantation in Towson, MD and the Batty family of York, PA?  Between 2016 and 2020, Cheryl LaRoche was the Principal Investigator leading a research team investigating the lives and tracing the families of the 300 enslaved African Americans freed after the death of Maryland\’s 15th Governor, Charles Carnan Ridgely in 1829.

Among those 300, was George Batty, who settled in the southern part of York County with his wife and children. George found work in the iron ore furnaces in York-work that he had done on the Ridgely plantation. His descendants  are still living in York County.  In addition to the Batty family, evidence also emerged of the important role York played on the path to freedom for those escaping slavery.

Dr. LaRoche talks of her research and this family connection to York County, PA.