'Unchained Memories: Readings From the Slave Narratives' in Charlotte Courtesy of Time Warner Cable Charlotte Division

'Unchained Memories: Readings From the Slave Narratives' in Charlotte Courtesy of Time Warner Cable Charlotte Division Traveling Exhibit Based on HBO Film Explores Journey from Slavery To Freedom CHARLOTTE, N.C., Nov. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Unchained Memories: Readings from the Slave Narratives, organized by the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, makes its N.C. debut today with the opening of the traveling museum exhibit at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Public Library's Main Branch uptown. Brought to this area by Time Warner Cable's Charlotte Division, this national exhibit explores the many facets of slavery and freedom -- the personal stories of former slaves, institutions, and cultural expression -- and provides a bridge from enslavement to emancipation and freedom. The exhibit, which will be on display at the Main Library through Jan. 2, 2005, will tour through 2006 in cities across the nation. "Time Warner Cable is proud to bring this exhibit to our local community," said Sue Breckenridge, vice president of public affairs for Time Warner Cable's Charlotte Division. "The local presentation of 'Unchained Memories' is a natural extension of our commitment to provide products and services that enhance and enrich the life of our community. The unique interactivity of the exhibit is another example of our commitment to bring cutting edge technology to our customers." Based on the 2003 HBO film of the same name, the Freedom Center's new traveling exhibit takes museum-goers into the American experience of slavery, allowing them to learn from firsthand accounts of the lives of people to whom freedom was denied. The government's Works Progress Administration conducted these interviews with former slaves in the 1930s. The exhibit was developed under the direction of Dr. Spencer Crew, executive director and chief executive officer of the Freedom Center, and Dr. Cynthia Goodman, guest curator. "The photography, illustrations, audio, and video on display were selected to mirror the major themes of the struggle from slavery to freedom," said Dr. Crew. "This exhibit effectively puts the human face on the institution of slavery and importantly on the universal desire for freedom." The exhibit covers eight major themes: slave auctions, work life, family life, living conditions, abuse, special occasions, the runaway and emancipation. It begins with a multi-screen high definition video wall presentation housed in an architectural structure resembling former slave quarters. On display are 35 framed photographs of former slaves with excerpts from their interviews from The Library of Congress Slave Narratives Collection. Interspersed in the exhibit is an interactive learning center kiosk containing a searchable database of 10,000 images of original documents, photographs, videos, and educational materials. Visitors will also have the opportunity to view the full HBO documentary and to record their own family history in a digital registry at the conclusion of the exhibit. "The use of technology in this traveling exhibit is unusual but it's the right brush stroke for bringing this powerful story to life," Goodman said. The interactive kiosk, introductory video wall and digital registry were produced by Goodman/Rutt Exhibits and Technologies. "Very few, if any traveling exhibits of this scale use this level of exciting new technology." The traveling exhibit is modeled after the permanent exhibit on display at the 158,000-square-foot National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati, which has hosted more than 90,000 visitors from all over the world since its opening in August 2004. In addition to celebrating the historic efforts of the Underground Railroad, the Freedom Center also showcases the efforts of modern-day heroes - men and women from around the world. Through its exhibits, programs, research and interactive experiences, the Freedom Center promotes collaborative learning, dialogue and inspires today's freedom movements. Visitors can view the exhibit at the Main Library, 310 N. Tryon St., between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free. Time Warner Cable owns and manages cable systems serving 10.9 million subscribers in 27 states, which include some of the most technologically advanced, best-clustered cable systems in the country with more than 75 percent of the company's customers in systems of 300,000 subscribers or more. Utilizing a fully upgraded advanced cable network and a steadfast commitment to providing consumers with choice, value and world-class customer service, Time Warner Cable is an industry leader in delivering advanced products and services such as video on demand, high definition television, high-speed data, wireless home networking and digital video recorders. Time Warner Cable is a company of Time Warner Inc. http://www.timewarnercable.com/charlotte/ Source: Time Warner Cable CONTACT: Jessica Graham of Time Warner Cable, +1-704-378-2958 Web site: http://www.timewarnercable.com/charlotte ------- Profile: International Entertainment