Victor Valley Museum opens new exhibit: Stolen Identities: River Routes to Freedom

*Stolen Identities: River Routes to Freedom* artist, Deborah McDuff Williams

Victor Valley Museum (VVM) is proud to announce the opening of a powerful new exhibit, Stolen Identities: River Routes to Freedom, on display now through June 29, 2025. This immersive exhibit features three-dimensional, mixed-media sculptures that illuminate the untold stories of enslaved peoples in the American South who used waterways as crucial paths to freedom.

While the Underground Railroad is often associated with journeys through dense forests and secret safe houses, Stolen Identities sheds light on the lesser known, but equally vital network of rivers, streams and lakes that provided quicker, less detectable routes for escaping slavery. The exhibit explores how these waterways played a pivotal role in evading bounty hunters— offering a new perspective on the strategic intelligence and ingenuity of those seeking liberation.

The exhibit also highlights the deep spiritual connection between waterways and African cosmology. In many African traditions, river and tree spirits are revered as protectors and providers. Enslaved Africans drew upon this cultural heritage, calling on these spirits to guide them on their perilous journeys to freedom.

At the heart of Stolen Identities is the work of celebrated artist Deborah McDuff Williams, whose mastery of found art and mixed media brings this compelling narrative to life. Combining her profound understanding of the African American experience with her talent for social commentary, Williams has crafted a body of work that is both artistically stunning and deeply educational. Her sculptures offer a vivid testament to the resilience, resourcefulness, and courage of those who defied unimaginable odds to escape bondage.

VVM is located at 11873 Apple Valley Rd., Apple Valley. The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. General admission is $10 (adult), $8 (military or senior), $7 (student), and $5 (child ages 6 to 12). Children five and under and museum members are admitted free. Parking is free and the museum is accessible to persons with disabilities. For more information, visit museum.sbcounty.gov or follow us on Facebook or Instagram.

The Victor Valley Museum’s exhibits of regional, cultural and natural history and its other exciting events and programs reflect the effort by the Board of Supervisors to achieve the Countywide Vision by celebrating arts, culture and education in the county, creating quality of life for residents and visitors.

Additional County Update News – Jan. 16, 2025