On November 17, 2025, Roger Williams University unveiled a new exhibit and lecture series titled “Recovering Thomas.”The project focuses on a 19th century, 40 page handwritten manuscript that details the life of Thomas White, a 15-year-old who escaped from slavery and sailed the world as a ship’s cook. Hidden for more than 150 years, White’s story brings attention to people whose voices were often left out of history. 

Research efforts have been ongoing for over a year now. The manuscript was first uncovered by author Cynthia Elder in her husband’s family records. Curious to understand more about the document, she brought it to the history department at Roger Williams University where Dr.Charlotte Carrington-Farmer recognized the importance of the manuscript and had students begin research on it. History major, Rachel Cabral, has since been the leading student researcher for the project. Other students have also joined the project, helping to study and preserve the pages. Dr.Timothy Walker, history professor at UMASS Dartmouth and editor of The Captains’ Coup: From Dictatorship to Democracy in Portugal (1974-1976), played a key role in confirming how valuable the document is, and will continue to support the research as the story of Thomas White is uncovered. 

Hosted at the Roger Williams University Library, the exhibit opened at 4:30 with a lecture from Cynthia Elder, Charlotte Carrington-Farmer and Rachel Cabral beginning at 5:00. Students, community members, and historians gathered to explore the ongoing research to trace White’s life and legacy. The exhibit will remain open at the University library into January as the research team continues to research and share the story of Thomas.

Photos Rachel Cabral: