The McLeod Plantation in Charleston, South Carolina. I took a tour there while conducting research. The tour guide discussed the presence of the Gullah Geechee on this site, as well as their African history and culture. This site is visited by descendants of enslaved workers and civil rights activists who either worked or met on this site. The descendants of the Gullah Geechee also display art made with indigo and other plant dyes on the site!
I have also visited the Smithfield Plantation in Blacksburg, VA, which included multiple signs throughout the house discussing slavery more in depth. One of the signs mentioned slavery and education and the reasons behind denying education to enslaved workers. Two of the reasons included are "those so educated might see themselves free and equal to white people," and "they would posses the knowledge that would help them learn about their world and the injustices inflicted upon them."
Drayton Hall near Charleston, SC and of course, the incomparable Whitney Plantation District outside New Orleans. The African American Heritage Trail in Louisiana was a good guide while I was in New Orleans, too. New Orleans history in and of itself could take up a whole vacation.
I may be a little biased, but I have to think that the Battle of Franklin Trust sites in Middle Tennessee are doing the right things when it comes to discussions of race, slavery, the Civil War, and its impact on the people in Franklin in 1864 and beyond. The research that has been done on the enslaved all three sites is top tier and the inclusion of their stories is very much a part of the identity of each site. That, on top of the work that has been done to reclaim portions of battlefield to better interpret the combat that took place, I think is extraordinary.
Well Joseph, you beat me to it. And I will confess to my positive bias for the work you all do at BOFT. Had a moving experience back in 2021 when we took our adult sons and their significant others to Franklin for a long weekend. We did the enslaved persons tour at Carnton and that night our two sons actually had an adult conversation sparked by that tour.
I doubt this is "getting it right" in a Loewen sense, but Lincoln's Cottage does so many good and unexpected things in the ways it engages audiences...
The McLeod Plantation in Charleston, South Carolina. I took a tour there while conducting research. The tour guide discussed the presence of the Gullah Geechee on this site, as well as their African history and culture. This site is visited by descendants of enslaved workers and civil rights activists who either worked or met on this site. The descendants of the Gullah Geechee also display art made with indigo and other plant dyes on the site!
I have also visited the Smithfield Plantation in Blacksburg, VA, which included multiple signs throughout the house discussing slavery more in depth. One of the signs mentioned slavery and education and the reasons behind denying education to enslaved workers. Two of the reasons included are "those so educated might see themselves free and equal to white people," and "they would posses the knowledge that would help them learn about their world and the injustices inflicted upon them."
I was just there in September. I was very impressed with their site interpretation. Thanks for sharing, Cassandra.
Drayton Hall near Charleston, SC and of course, the incomparable Whitney Plantation District outside New Orleans. The African American Heritage Trail in Louisiana was a good guide while I was in New Orleans, too. New Orleans history in and of itself could take up a whole vacation.
Drayton Hall is well worth visiting. Great suggestion.
I enjoyed Hermann-Grima House in New Orleans. I happened in on the way to the Apothecary Museum and was pleasantly surprised by their tour.
I didn't get a chance to go to any plantation tours because of Covid.
I am going to have to add this to my list of places to visit in New Orleans. Thanks, Susan.
I may be a little biased, but I have to think that the Battle of Franklin Trust sites in Middle Tennessee are doing the right things when it comes to discussions of race, slavery, the Civil War, and its impact on the people in Franklin in 1864 and beyond. The research that has been done on the enslaved all three sites is top tier and the inclusion of their stories is very much a part of the identity of each site. That, on top of the work that has been done to reclaim portions of battlefield to better interpret the combat that took place, I think is extraordinary.
Hi Joseph,
My apologies. I didn't realize that you work there as well. Thanks for all the work you do at BOFT.
Well Joseph, you beat me to it. And I will confess to my positive bias for the work you all do at BOFT. Had a moving experience back in 2021 when we took our adult sons and their significant others to Franklin for a long weekend. We did the enslaved persons tour at Carnton and that night our two sons actually had an adult conversation sparked by that tour.
Eric Jacobson does a great job at BFT. I've only visited once, but I would love to do so again at some point.
I doubt this is "getting it right" in a Loewen sense, but Lincoln's Cottage does so many good and unexpected things in the ways it engages audiences...
Great choice.