LANDMARK EXHIBITION – SLAVERY AT JEFFERSON’S MONTICELLO: PARADOX OF LIBERTY SET FOR THURSDAY, SEPT. 20 AT 10 A.M. AT AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM
African American Museum, Dallas in historic Fair Park the first to host the updated touring exhibition September 22-December 31, 2018, featuring expanded content new to the exhibition.
WHAT: The Media Preview Day for Slavery at Jefferson’s Monticello: Paradox of Liberty – a groundbreaking exhibition that brings to life the story of slavery at Monticello through more than 300 objects, works of art, documents and artifacts unearthed at the storied plantation – will be Thursday, Sept. 20, at 10 a.m. at the African American Museum, Dallas in Fair Park.
Dallas is the first city to host the updated touring exhibition, which features new items never seen outside of Monticello, including a special feature on Sally Hemings, one of the most famous African American women in American history. As an enslaved woman at the age of 16, Hemings negotiated with one of the most powerful men in the nation, ensuring she would receive “extraordinary privileges” and achieve freedom for her children. Jefferson fathered at least six children with Hemings, four of whom survived to adulthood.
WHY: This widely acclaimed exhibition was organized by Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello. In 2012, in partnership with the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, the exhibition premiered at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History and, due to popular demand, has since traveled to museums in Atlanta, St. Louis and Philadelphia.
Thanks to a National Endowment for the Humanities exhibitions grant, Monticello has since expanded the landmark exhibition Slavery at Jefferson’s Monticello: Paradox of Liberty with new content, including a feature on Sally Hemings – one of the most famous African American women in U.S. history. As an enslaved woman at the age of 16, Hemings negotiated with one of the most powerful men in the nation to improve her own condition and achieve freedom for her children. Jefferson fathered at least six children with Hemings, four of whom survived to adulthood.
Tickets are now on sale for the exhibition at $10 for adults, $5 for seniors (65 and older), $5 for children 4-12, and free for children 3 and under. Admission will be free on Thursdays for seniors 65 and older. African American Museum members are free.
SPEAKERS: Speakers will be Gayle Jessup White, Monticello’s community engagement officer and a Hemings family and Jefferson descendant; Dr. Harry R. Robinson, Jr., president and CEO, African American Museum; Dr. Wright Lassiter, Jr., chairman of the board of the African American Museum, Dallas; Dallas City Council member Kevin Felder, organizer of the event; and Phillip Jones, president and CEO, Visit Dallas.
WHEN: Thursday, Sept. 20, 2018. A brief program will be held at 10 a.m. with self-guided tours immediately following.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
