The historical legacy of Duchess Quamino, an enslaved woman from the 18th century, remains a topic of mystery and intrigue. On June 16, 2023, Estelle T. Barada, a historic re-enactor, brought Duchess Quamino to life at the Hearthside House Museum in Lincoln, R.I. Known as the “pastry queen of Rhode Island,” Duchess Quamino’s culinary skills were renowned, and her talent with dough may have played a role in securing her and her family’s freedom. Shae Williams-Adams, a national parks chef from Steamboat Springs, Colo., discovered a family connection to Duchess Quamino, which ignited her passion for cooking.
Williams-Adams, who comes from a family of nurses and preachers, couldn’t understand where her love for cooking came from. However, upon learning about her connection to Duchess Quamino through her paternal grandfather, everything fell into place. Duchess Quamino, although her birth name remains a mystery, was known as Charity or Duchess, with the latter nickname suggesting a link to African royalty. She was married to a man named John, and her surname, Quamino, is thought to be a variation of his Ghanaian name, Kwame. She was kidnapped as a preteen and brought to Newport, R.I., where she became enslaved by a prominent couple, William and Lucy Channing, whose wealth came from the West African slave trade.
Initially, Duchess Quamino worked in the Channings’ kitchen, but her cooking and baking skills soon became apparent. However, much of Duchess Quamino’s story remains obscured in mystery. According to Akeia de Barros Gomes, a researcher from the Mystic Seaport Museum, the narratives surrounding successful and beloved enslaved people perpetuate a dehumanizing view of their experiences. Most written sources about slavery in Newport were written by the privileged, focusing on the enslavers rather than the enslaved.
One of the few primary sources about Duchess Quamino is church documents that confirm her status as an enslaved individual. Membership records from the Palls and Biers Society, which helped free Black Rhode Islanders with their burial expenses, acknowledge Duchess Quamino as one of the first women granted membership. While there is folklore surrounding Duchess Quamino’s purchase of her family’s freedom with her catering earnings, historical accounts are limited, and much information comes from the memories of the Channing family.
Duchess Quamino’s story is filled with gaps and uncertainties, making it challenging to trace her descendants accurately. However, individuals who believe they may be related to Duchess Quamino feel a deep connection to her, as it provides a tangible link to their heritage. For Shae Williams-Adams, learning about Duchess Quamino has instilled pride and understanding, knowing that she comes from a lineage of history-makers. Similarly, Jonathan King-Cretot, a global studies professor, felt a profound connection to Africa when he discovered his possible relationship to Duchess Quamino, even embarking on a journey to Senegal to trace his ancestral roots.
Despite the tenuous nature of these connections, de Barros Gomes believes that the stories told by Duchess Quamino’s purported descendants hold value. They offer a perspective on the era of slavery that counters nostalgic and benign views while honoring the importance of oral history and descendant voices. Duchess Quamino’s legacy continues to inspire and empower those who find solace in their shared heritage with this remarkable historical figure.
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