COLUMBIA TN- Polk Presidential Hall, the new exhibition center at the James K. Polk Home historic site, is now hosting an original exhibition "Chairs For Freedom: The Life and Craft of Dick Poynor." This exhibit focuses on an enslaved 19th century Tennessee craftsman who purchased his freedom by making chairs.

Dick Poynor was born a slave in Halifax County, Virginia, the property and possibly the son of Robert Poynor. Robert moved his family to Tennessee in 1817. Robert Poynor was a maker of bricks, shoes, and chairs, and likely taught Dick Poynor how to make chairs. Robert and Dick's style of chair making is characterized by the use placing dry rungs into green posts, thereby eliminating the need for glue or nails. Poynor's work was prolific, and allowed him to purchase his freedom in 1851. He opened his own factory in 1860, and for the next twenty years made hundreds of chairs. This exhibition features thirty Poynor chairs, the largest collection of his work ever assembled.

Tickets for “Chairs For Freedom” can be purchased separately or included with admission to the Polk Home historic site. The adult ticket rates are $7 for admission to the historic site, $5 for the Presidential Hall exhibition, and $10 for a combined ticket. Discounts are available for senior citizens, children, and groups of ten or more. Located at 301 W. Seventh Street in downtown Columbia, the Polk Home is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday-Saturday and from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. For additional information, call the Home at (931) 388-2354.