Taking the Next Step: Confronting the Legacies of Slavery at Historic Sites. (2nd January 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Grim, Linnea; Wickens, K. Allison; Jecha, Jackie; Powell, Linda; Hawkins, Callie; Flanagan, Candra
• Is Part Of: Journal of museum education. Volume 42:Number 1(2017:Spring)
• Page Start: 54
• Page End: 68
• Publication Date: 2017-01-02
• Subjects: Slavery -- historic sites -- interpreting slavery to children -- race -- president -- museum; Museums -- Educational aspects -- Periodicals; 069.15
• DOI: 10.1080/10598650.2016.1275468
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1059-8650

Abstract

ABSTRACT: "Slavery is the ground zero of race relations, " declared James and Lois Horton in their groundbreaking book, Slavery and Public History . Engaging the history and legacy of slavery is a crucial step in understanding current U.S. society especially race relations. Historic sites that have connections to slavery have begun to explore how they can more fully engage visitors in the narrative of American slavery and subsequently, inspire and enhance the conversation of race relations among contemporary visitors. Reflecting best practices, evolving scholarship, shifting audience demographics, and expanding guest expectations, three well-known historic sites – Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, George Washington's Mount Vernon and President Lincoln's Cottage – have developed new programs and enhanced popular offerings to interpret slavery in a more nuanced manner. These public programs, educational offerings and interpretation strategies provide audiences with a deeper understanding of the institution of race-based slavery and its legacy in the present U.S. society.