Modern-day Nantucket, with its celebrity residents, affluent vacationers and predominantly white inhabitants, is probably the last place you'd think of as a racial landmark, but the island's small schoolhouse was just that. In many ways, this "Rock" off Massachusetts was far ahead of its time.

In the 19th century, Nantucket was the wealthy international capital of whaling, an industry that rewarded talented men—of any color. The island also attracted many fugitive slaves for its seafaring job opportunities and abolition-friendly population of Quakers. But tolerance ended at the schoolroom.

In a landmark battle, Nantucket was forced to end school segregation. The decision divided a close-knit community and set an historic precedent. Now, discover the fascinating details, violent confrontations, and groundbreaking boycotts, and experience the remarkable speaking debut of the most powerful voice of Black America, Frederick Douglass.

Expert insights from Nantucket historians and noted African American scholars, plus archival photos and writings, reveal a little-known turning point in American race relations.