She Was There

June 13, 2026 | Film Screening
The West End Museum

June 14, 2026 | Concert & Reception
Museum of African American History

Presented in partnership by Boston Lyric Opera and Castle of Our Skins.

Inspired by the profound words of the spiritual “Were You There?” this two-day event brings together film, music, and dialogue to illuminate the often-overlooked stories of Black revolutionary women throughout history.

Day One: Screening & Conversation

A thought-provoking film screening, followed by a lecture and discussion, invites audiences to engage with these narratives and their enduring impact.

Day Two: Concert

Boston Lyric Opera artists join forces with Castle of Our Skins for a powerful concert, blending opera, spirituals, and contemporary works to honor these extraordinary women. This collaboration challenges historical omissions and reimagines whose stories are centered in cultural memory.

Timed with America 250, She Was There seeks to reframe national commemorations with equity at the forefront, while also serving as a poignant companion to BLO’s Daughter of the Regiment. Through music and testimony, we ask: Who have we forgotten? And how do we carry their legacies forward?

This program is supported by partnerships with Castle of our Skins, the Museum of African American History, and the West End Museum.