Books | Scott Gac

Singing For Freedom

The Hutchinson Family Singers and the Nineteenth-Century Culture of Reform

Singing for Freedom explores the power of popular music in antislavery activism in the northern United States. While Blackface minstrelsy often dominates narratives about American music in the 1840s and 1850s, this book highlights a vibrant alternative: the musical culture of Black and White social reformers. Focusing on the Hutchinson Family Singers, White musicians from New Hampshire, Singing for Freedom uncovers a dynamic tradition of resistance—not only against slavery but also against segregated performance spaces. The book reveals how antislavery music helped change attitudes about slavery, while exposing the persistent gap between antislavery sentiment and anti-racist beliefs. This critical distinction has shaped much of Scott's research on the coming of the Civil War and efforts to complicate romanticized views of the "noble" North. Singing for Freedom was adapted for stage performance by the Rose Ensemble at the Minnesota History Center in 2015. Watch a dress rehearsal of the performance here: Singing for Freedom by the Rose Ensemble.

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Born In Blood

Violence and The Making of America

NOW AVAILABLE!

Born in Blood book covers one of history’s most violent undertakings: the United States of America. From the Revolution to the Gilded Age, forceful acts of government and civilians fostered a modern tradition. Here, in the darkest realm of American life, is an important story of nationhood told through the experiences and choices of slaves, Indians, Presidents, soldiers, and citizens. Enjoy this interview of Scott Gac and several students talking about Born in Blood.

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The Rose Ensemble Adaptation

Singing For Freedom - Spring 2015

Scott is proud and excited to share his collaboration with Jordan Sramek, Jeff Raz, and the rest of the Rose Ensemble cast and crew. This series of performances took place at the Minnesota History Center.