14 Responses to “slavery museum for shockoe bottom?”

1. posted by Scott Burger at February 26, 2009 11:23 am [#]:
   

   I am generally in favor. I would like to see the Bottom host a multimodal transportation center as well as a museum.

2. posted by g2thap at February 26, 2009 12:48 pm [#]:
   

   This is where it should be. Richmond was part of the slave trade triangle along with Liverpool and the current Republic of Benin, as well as we all three form the reconciliation triangle. The slavery museum helps complete the cycle of education, of letting people know that slavery by and of any people is wrong. It is one of the branches from the past that goes through today and extends into tomorrow.

3. posted by shockoe at February 26, 2009 2:19 pm [#]:
   

   I don’t see why the Bottom couldn’t do both :)

   This museum definitely belongs in Richmond. I don’t remember all the politicking that put this in Fredericksburg, but most of the people there don’t even want the museum. I just hope Doug Wilder stays out of it this time.

4. posted by gray at February 26, 2009 2:58 pm [#]:
   

   Yes this museum belongs in Richmond -Shockoe Bottom to be exact! Along with the museum there can be an outdoor living museum of sorts like we have in Jamestown with trails to docks, warehouses; a way to see how people lived, worked. To check out some of the rich history, read Ruggles’ book on “Boxing Henry Brown.” And lets not forget up the hill where Elizabeth van Lew -quaker, abolitionist, civil war spy-lived (now Bellevue elementary) and where Maggie Walker was born.

5. posted by Liberty at February 26, 2009 5:03 pm [#]:
   

   and Gabriels fight for freedom, he was hanged where they had the gallows, round broad and 18th st

6. posted by Carol A.O. Wolf at February 26, 2009 5:54 pm [#]:
   

   Quaker history is an important part of the story of slavery. Long before there was even a Declaration of Independence, Quakers in Virginia (and elsewhere) were advocating for the abolition of slavery.

   As a Quaker, I would work very hard to make an international/national museum on slavery happen in Richmond. E-mail me at Wolfies@aol.com. I am happy to be of service for this important project!

7. posted by Chris Tucker at February 26, 2009 9:58 pm [#]:
   

   Quick correction, not trying to be annoying just want to get the facts straight. Ruggles’ book is called “The Unboxing of Henry Brown.” Its a great read and one of those stories which is proof that truth really is stranger than fiction.

8. posted by Shockoe at February 26, 2009 9:58 pm [#]:
   

   @gray- A living history museum would be awesome! With the completed capitol trail, I would think VA tourism could tie together all of the history here quite well. It is a shame we could not have had something of the sort for the 400th anniversary of Jamestown.

   @carol and liberty- the museum would be a great opportunity for people to realize the role other groups played, and place events in a broader context. Imagine how a resource like the museum could change the way the history of slavery is taught in local schools!

   This sounds sketchy based on the article. I am skeptical that anything will come of this, but no matter what happens in Fredericksburg, a slavery museum should be a priority for Richmond!

9. posted by ShockoeBottomDweller at February 27, 2009 9:07 am [#]:
   

   Gee move the Slave Museum right back to the place that Doug Wilder wanted it to be that would be madness.

10. posted by parking lot at February 27, 2009 1:44 pm [#]:
    

    from what i heard, wilder really tried to make it happen here, but city council/officials/developers didn’t want to make it happen, more than likely because there is no money in such endeavors. it is an important idea, though. our city needs this.

11. posted by gray at February 27, 2009 3:06 pm [#]:
    

    #7, thanks for the correction and you’re right -it’s a great read. Sorry Jeff.

12. posted by Liberty at February 27, 2009 4:30 pm [#]:
    

    @Shockoe- Heres an idea, can we get the word Freedom into the name of the museum, such as Slavery and Freedom Center. It puts a positive spin i think, because to me the Freedom part is an important part. Lincoln delivered the freedom, and the stories are all about the quest for it and where we are today.

13. posted by River District News » slavery museum discussion heats up - Richmond, Virginia at March 1, 2009 10:07 pm [#]:
    

    [...] on the possibility of moving the National Slavery Museum to Richmond has everyone talking! Bacon’s Rebellion has a post up arguing why Shockoe’s [...]

14. posted by jonah at May 6, 2009 10:04 pm [#]:
    

    This museum should be in Shockoe Bottom, at the site of Lumpkin’s jail, there is no doubt. It is just the right thing to do.

    We need to tell the story so our children can learn from our mistakes. Have you ever done the slave trail walk at night like the slaves did it? It is a very moving experience, and everyone should have that opportunity.
    If we did it right, people would come from all over the world to see it. Perhaps it could offer some healing in telling the truth. Telling the story honestly is really the only way Richmond will move on.

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