In this special Juneteenth episode, as we honor the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, we will delve into the work of those working to preserve slave dwellings across the United States, safeguarding the essential stories these structures embody.
In our conversation, our guest will share why former slave dwellings are vital to our nation’s history and what they reveal about those who once lived in them. As we explore these poignant remnants of the past, consider: Why is it important to preserve these humble yet powerful symbols of history? What stories do they hold that we risk losing if they are forgotten? And how can understanding this part of our heritage shape a more inclusive and truthful reflection of our nation’s past?
Joseph McGill, executive director/founder of the Slave Dwelling Project and author of Sleeping with the Ancestors: How I Followed the Footprints of Slavery.
Featured image courtesy of The Slave Dwelling Project.
About the Show
Ben Franklin’s World is a podcast about early American history.
It is a show for people who love history and for those who want to know more about the historical people and events that have impacted and shaped our present-day world.
Each episode features a conversation with a historian who helps us shed light on important people and events in early American history.
Ben Franklin’s World is a production of Colonial Williamsburg Innovation Studios.
Episode Summary
Joseph McGill is a public historian, scholar, and executive director/founder of the Slave Dwelling Project. He joins us to discuss the importance of preserving colonial era housing for the enslaved communities with details from his book, Sleeping with the Ancestors: How I Followed the Footprints of Slavery.
During our conversation, Joseph reveals: History of slavery in the United States; impact of history preservation; how living history programs impact historic sites; and establishing a career in public history and historic preservation.
What You’ll Discover
• Public Memory and preserving colonial era structures
• Impact of Living History Programs
• Slavery in Early America
• Using documents and artifacts at historic sites
• Working with descendants of formerly enslaved communities
• Professional Development in historic preservation
Links to People, Places, and Publications
• Joseph McGill
• Sleeping with the Ancestors: How I Followed the Footprints of Slavery
• National Trust for Historic Preservation
• National Park Service
• Freedmen’s Bureau, National Archives
• Port Royal Experiment
• Transcript
Sponsor Links
• Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
• The Power of Place: The Centennial Campaign for Colonial Williamsburg
• BFW Listener exclusive deal with NordVPN
Complementary Episodes
• Episode 075: How Archives Work
• Episode 079: What is a Historic Source?
• Episode 089: Slavery & Freedom in Early Maryland
• Episode 312: The Domestic Slave Trade
• Episode 331: Discovery of the Williamsburg Bray School
• Episode 360: Kyera Singleton, Slavery & Freedom in Massachusetts
• Episode 378: Everyday Black Living in Early America
Time Warp Question
You’ve shared the story about visiting the Anne Frank House Site in Amsterdam, and how pivotal this experience was in your journey to develop the Slave Dwelling Project.
In your opinion, do you think your life would be different if you never visited that site?
Questions, Comments, Suggestions
Do you have a question, comment, or suggestion?
Get in Touch! Send me an e-mail or leave a comment.
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