CHARLEMONT — Being born into slavery in a place called Libertytown is perhaps the ultimate irony.

But that’s a significant part of the life story of Basil C. Dorsey, a self-emancipated man whose remarkable quest for freedom will be detailed by local historians Bambi Miller and Mary Boehmer during a Juneteenth event to be held at the Little Red Schoolhouse at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Miller and Boehmer will talk about Dorsey’s meandering journey from enslavement in Maryland to freedom in Pennsylvania and, eventually, Charlemont and Northampton.

“[The story] is, really, pretty phenomenal, when you think about a person that was born enslaved,” Miller said.

According to Miller, Dorsey escaped Maryland on May 14, 1836, and arrived in Charlemont in June 1838. He stayed until 1844, immersing himself in the abolitionist movement. Dorsey was married to a woman named Louisa, and he moved to Florence after Louisa died. He died on Feb. 15, 1872.

Miller started her research 36 years after being intrigued by information she learned from a fellow amateur historian. She and Boehmer, both librarians, began their collaboration 21 years ago.

“What we were doing was raising awareness about abolition activities in the 19th century,” Miller explained.

The Little Red Schoolhouse at 1811 Mohawk Trail in East Charlemont has been added to the National Register of Historic Places, with the accompanying bronze marker being installed last week.

“We’re really excited to bring some energy back into the Little Red Schoolhouse,” Miller said.

Reach Domenic Poli at: dpoli@recorder.com or 413-930-4120.