New exhibit at Frazier History Museum reveals origins of Newburg, Eliza Tevis

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The Frazier History Museum has a new exhibit highlighting a Louisville neighborhood.

The "She Did What She Could: Eliza Tevis and the Origins of Newburg" exhibit was designed by the students at the University of Louisville taking Dr. Glenn Crother's introduction to public history class.

According to a news release Tuesday, the exhibit tells the story of Tevis, an enslaved woman who gained her freedom in the 1830s and purchased land and built a home in Newburg. She married Henry Tevis in 1843 after establishing a de factor prenuptial to protect her property.

Tevis also purchased the children of enslaved people sold to the Deep South, employing them at her farm and hiring out others. She became a central figure in the Newburg community after the Civil War.

Tevis lived for more than 90 years, dying in 1887.

The Eliza Tevis Society was established to remember her life and achievements. Members of the society shared historical research with students.