19 Responses to “Fredericksburg’s take on the slavery museum”

1. posted by parking lot at February 27, 2009 1:53 pm :
   

   that’s what we do best! bring it on!

2. posted by Scott Burger at February 27, 2009 4:10 pm :
   

   “Holy City’s trendy Shockoe Bottom”?

   That’s hilarious.

3. posted by Lloyd Schieldge at February 27, 2009 4:21 pm :
   

   What is the purpose of the Slave Museum? I have read some about it, but have not seen what actually would be on display there. It seems that there is plenty of information on slavery available to all on the internet without the need to go to a building and read it, or have someone to read it to us. I mean no disrespect to anyone, I just do not understand what experience a visitor is supposed to walk away with after visiting a museum for slavery. Slavery was wrong and those who disagree would never go to the museum in the first place.

4. posted by jacqui at February 27, 2009 4:22 pm :
   

   I know, I almost fell out of my chair as I was reading it.

5. posted by john m at February 27, 2009 4:26 pm :
   

   What is the purpose of the Slave Museum?

   I would think that there are many people that would like to know more about this crucial aspect of our history.

   The near-by Virginia Holocaust Museum describe what they do:

   Through tours, programs, lectures, films and other events, the Virginia Holocaust Museum strives to educate the public and promote tolerance towards all, regardless of religion, nationality, race, sex or creed.

6. posted by Lloyd Schieldge at February 27, 2009 5:08 pm :
   

   Thanks john. It would seem then that Fredericksburg and Richmond are far enough apart that a museum at each location should thrive if they have an audience. Is there some kind of dispute as to who should pay for it or something? I guess what I am asking is that if a location was already approved and a group of interested people have expressed said interest in it, and a willingness to pay for, and visit it, why then is it not up and running? I for one would be interested in visiting it, but to be honest, it would likely be only a one-time visit, and I do not see where people would come from all over to see it. Slavery did not occur in just one city, it was all over, and information about it is widely available. The history of slavery is incorporated in many other museums and tourist attractions. The history of slavery is, and has been, taught in our schools for a very long time, it is not like the Holocaust which is still not recognized by many.

7. posted by john m at February 27, 2009 5:53 pm :
   

   I know how slavery is taught in our schools and that it barely scratches the surface.

   While slavery did occur in many areas, Richmond had a central role in the domestic slave trade after the banning of the importation of any new slaves in 1808. This is what gives Lumpkin’s Jail its significance. The connection of Lumpkins to VUU only ads to the uniqueness of Richmond as the potential home to this kind of institution.

8. posted by gray at February 27, 2009 6:07 pm :
   

   I would like to see the National Slavery Museum cover slavery in the context of world, national, and local history; and how and where it exists today.

   #6, How many Holocaust museums are in the world? Now count how many Slavery Museums are in existence.

9. posted by Carol A.O. Wolf at February 27, 2009 6:42 pm :
   

   Mr. Schieldge,

   WT?, everyone I know recognizes The Holocaust.

   Why Richmond? Richmond was the Capital of the Confederacy and was visited several times by President Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War.

   Further, there is a significant international aspect to the American Slavery experience that could draw tourists from all nations to Richmond, Virginia.

10. posted by Lloyd Schieldge at February 27, 2009 8:29 pm :
    

    Ms. Wolf, Mr. Lincoln visited here several times sound a little too much like “George Washington slept here”. Lincoln was president in Washington DC, and it is there, where it is more likely tourists from other nations would visit. The last time I looked on a map Fredericksburg was much closer to DC than Richmond, if it could not make it in F’burg, I doubt it would make it here, but I would welcome it. At this point, I don’t care if they build it in Hartford, Ct. I just wish they would build it and stop arguing about it. Someone has to put their money where their mouth is first tghough, and pay the back taxes it already owes. Where is Mr. Wilder during all this?

11. posted by Shockoe at February 27, 2009 11:17 pm :
    

    Apparently, he was not abducted by aliens.

    I used to live in Fredericksburg, and it gets little if any of the DC tourism traffic. It does however bring in a LOT of Civil War enthusiasts; just like Jamestown and Williamsburg bring in tourists. It could work here in Richmond. If it is built in Shockoe Bottom, it would be in close proximity to 95 and 64, and all of the other attractions in Richmond.
    Do you know where the proposed site is in Fredericksburg? Answer: behind one of the biggest monstrosities in VA. Anyone visiting the museum would probably be too horrified to fully absorb the whole experience.

    I do agree with you Lloyd. Someone needs to put their money where their mouth is. Who has invested in this project so far? Taxpayers? Private funding? Why aren’t they holding the people involved with the project accountable.

12. posted by jacqui at February 27, 2009 11:32 pm :
    

    This article is from last year, but seems pretty thorough. It looks like Wilder has been trying to raise money for the museum from small gifts to large corporate giving. It does mention though, that the museum will be asking/asked for federal money.

    http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/12/arts/artsspecial/12slave.html?pagewanted=1&fta=y

13. posted by Lloyd Schieldge at February 27, 2009 11:46 pm :
    

    For some reason the only things that seem to make it in Shockhoe Bottom are the bars. I think in order to make the museum work in that area it would take an enormous amount of money, and I don’t see a source for that at this time. I would hate to see the museum move forward there and flop. The entire Lumpkin’s Jail, shipping, receiving, and sale of slaves in that area is an important part of history and I just cannot believe that Richmond is up to pulling it off yet. I would rather see them shelve the idea for now until such time they have the financial and intellectual resources to dedicate to a project like this. When this project is done, it needs to be done right, something the City of Richmond does not have much experience with. I think the location of the museum is not nearly as important as the message it delivers. Although Lumpkin’s Jail was located down there, I think it would be very difficult for visitors to get a feeling of the area back then, given all of the development surrounding the area now. It is kind of like the Confederate White House site, it looks so out of place with an enormous hospital built all around it, and with no view of the river that was so important at that time.

14. posted by john m at February 28, 2009 1:23 am :
    

    For some reason the only things that seem to make it in Shockhoe Bottom are the bars.

    And restaurants, coffee shops, the Virginia Holocaust Museum, La Difference, Frame Nation…

    Although Lumpkin’s Jail was located down there, I think it would be very difficult for visitors to get a feeling of the area back then, given all of the development surrounding the area now.

    Perhaps you should check out the guided tours offered on the Slave Trail, you might see this differently.

15. posted by Carol A.O. Wolf at February 28, 2009 7:47 am :
    

    Abraham Lincoln Entering Richmond

    Why do we need to pay Doug Wilder’s back taxes on anything? He does no “own” the idea of a national slavery museum.

    http://www.sonofthesouth.net/slavery/abraham-lincoln/abraham-lincoln-richmond.htm

16. posted by Liberty at February 28, 2009 8:42 am :
    

    thi is the competition we need to get the best for our city in Shockoe, ball park or slavery/freedom museum? or both?

17. posted by Mike B. at February 28, 2009 10:36 am :
    

    I worked at the Lumpkin Jail site for a few days this past Autumn when the archaeologists were digging it out. I’m not a “history” person but, let me tell you, it was quite a feeling to be standing at the center of the slave trade, on the same cobblestone floors where so much misery occurred. It was moving, to say the least.

    This feeling is something unique that likely no other site could offer. If they could build a slavery museum with the Lumpkin excavation under roof and at the center of the museum, I think it would really drive the whole thing home for people. That is, in my opinion, the main advantage with putting the museum in the Bottom.

    By the way, I’m new here. Hello all! Been looking for a house in Church Hill for about 6 months now. Love the area! Have put in two offers but nothing yet.

18. posted by Matt T at March 1, 2009 8:01 pm :
    

    the slavery of African-Americans is apart of U.S. History and it does have alot to offer to all people of this country. There is much to be learned and a text book does not have the same impact as walking through the area and see artifacts associated with the event. If the opportunity present itself, I believe Jamestown VA is the best location for the museum since that is where the slaves enter this country.

19. posted by River District News » slavery museum discussion heats up - Richmond, Virginia at March 1, 2009 10:28 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 a Good Spot for a Slavery [...]

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