I developed this guide to highlight the African American story line within exhibits at the Fredericksburg Area Museum and Cultural Center. My goal was to do this while also encouraging visitors to ask questions and engage in dialogue (whether internal or with others). Please note that the format of the blog did not allow me to retain the complete formatting of the guide, such as borders, font size, etc.
African American Gallery Guide
You can use this guide to explore the story of the African American experience within the permanent exhibits of the Fredericksburg Area Museum and Cultural Center. The guide is organized by exhibit and can be followed through the entire museum. It highlights particular objects of interest, but also has “different viewpoint” sections that invite you to consider new ways of thinking about familiar stories.
Fredericksburg at War
This exhibit explores the Fredericksburg area’s experience during wartime. African Americans fought in all of America’s major wars, beginning with the Revolution. Their experience, however, was not entirely the same as that of the White soldiers and citizens.
- A Different Viewpoint—war and slavery
For African Americans, particularly those who were enslaved, war provided a special dilemma. While they shared the dangers of warfare, the potential defeat of their masters posed the possibility of freedom. During the Revolutionary War, the British offered freedom to any slave willing to serve in their ranks, and during the Civil War, hundreds of slaves crossed the Rappahannock to seek freedom behind the Union lines. As you go through the exhibit, think about what decision you might have made if you were a slave.
Rappahannock Forge Pistol
Slave labor may have produced parts of the pistol from James Hunter’s Rappahannock Forge ironworks. Slaves worked throughout Hunter’s industries, at least one as a blacksmith. Hunter’s tax records for 1783 list 200 slaves.
- A Different Viewpoint—the Revolution
The revolutionary leaders were supported by the labor of the slaves that worked their plantations. These enslaved people essentially formed an “invisible” force that assisted the fight against the British. Some African Americans were more visibly engaged. One hundred and forty enslaved and free Blacks served in the Virginia fleet that patrolled the Rappahannock and the Chesapeake Bay.
Photograph of John Washington
Look at the image of John Washington. He was identified as a mulatto (born of one white and one black parent) and described himself as fair haired and blue eyed. When he escaped to Union lines, the soldiers assumed that he was white and expressed surprise when told he was a slave. Although Washington acknowledged his heritage, others in his situation chose to “pass” as white. Given the opportunity, would you try to “pass?” Why or why not?
Door Damaged in the Civil War
This war damaged door played a role in the life of John Washington before he escaped to freedom. It came from the home of his owner Mrs. Taliafero, and he may have gone in an out of it many times. If he could see it now, what might he think and feel?
Jane Beale Diary
Jane Beale’s diary includes glimpses into the life of the enslaved during the siege of Fredericksurg through the eyes of their owner. If you explore it you can find references to the slaves, and consider their situation as they were caught between danger and potential freedom. See if you can locate the quotation from the chambermaid Martha. How might her knowledge of the situation outside of the house have been a type of power?
“In Their Own Words” Computer Station
This computer station offers several stories from African American viewpoints, including that of John Washington. What differences do you notice in their stories of the Civil War?
- A Different Viewpoint—the “Gateway to Freedom”
Directly across from the computer station is the “Gateway to Freedom” section of the exhibit. It explores the experiences of the enslaved who chose to cross the Rappahannock River to the Union lines during the siege and battle of Fredericksburg. Union soldiers referred to these Blacks as “contraband,” a word that meant smuggled or officially forbidden goods. General Butler first used this term in order to avoid having to return slaves to their owners, but most of those who used it would have been unlikely to understand its legal origins. Consider what its use might imply about how they viewed the escaped slaves.
Photograph of the Burial of the Dead near Kenmore
Across from the vault exhibit is a panel photograph showing African Americans burying the dead near Kenmore. It is not clear whether these are Confederate or Union dead, but both armies tended to keep African Americans in subordinate roles such as grave diggers. The United States Colored Troops units of the Union were the exception to this practice.
Image of the Stained Glass Window Portrait of Dr. Urbane F. Bass
Next to the panel about the WWI influenza epidemic is a smaller panel with an image of Dr. Urbane F. Bass’ stained glass portrait. Dr. Bass was as prominent member of the African American community and founded Commerce St. Pharmacy in 1911. His letter volunteering for military service read
“Realizing that patriotism and loyalty should be paramount in the breasts of all American citizens at this time and feeling (although a negro) that loyalty for my country…I am herewith offering my services for the Army Medical Corps….”
The window was installed in his honor at Shiloh Baptist New Site and dedicated in a well attended ceremony on July 13, 1920.
Portal, Passage, and Power
This exhibit explores the ways in which the Rappahannocki River influenced Fredericksburg’s development as a town. African Americans, both enslaved and free, played an integral role in these developments. Their story begins at the large map of the river.
- A Different Viewpoint—the river
As you look at the light up map of the river, consider the ships that carried human cargo to be sold to the plantations and businesses in the area and beyond. Push the button that lights up the port landing and imagine arriving there as a slave. What would your thoughts be?
Letter from Augustus Mason to George Aler
This 1858 letter from Mason to slave trader George Aler, and Aler’s response, reveals the individual human face of the slave trade. The original letter and the response read as follows:
“I have agreed to let Green have the bearer Thomas at what you would value him at today.
“I think in his condition he is not worth more than five hundred dollars. It is almost impossible to come at the true value in the market as very few persons would buy him in his present condition.”
Try to put yourself in Thomas’ shoes. Think about the fact that he carried the letter that discussed his own fate, and the content references to his “value” and his apparently poor “present condition.” What do these suggest to you about his life as a slave?
- A Different Viewpoint—the port records
The cargo unloaded at Fredericksburg’s port included slaves. Letters and other documents reveal that many local merchants and planters made money in the slave trade. In 1771, for example, the captain of the slaver Othello from Rhode Island spent several months in Fredericksburg selling slaves. Falmouth merchant Charles Yates assisted him. Ironworks owner James Hunter also dealt in “negro consignments.” In the 1800s, Anthony Buck and Finnal & Smith established slave auction and trade businesses in town. You can visit the auction block on the corner of William and Charles Streets.
Photograph of Germania Roller Mills
Look carefully at the photograph of the men outside of the mill office. Both skilled and unskilled African Americans continued to a part of the local work force after the Civil War. The men pictured here may be Henry James, Jesse Lewis (a teamster), and Joseph Lawson (a cooper). All three men worked at the mill in the late 1800s.
Certificate from Falmouth Manufacturing
Slave labor played a significant role in local industries. In addition to cloth mills like Falmouth Manufacturing, the Aquia stone quarry and Rappahannock Forge used a number of slaves. Slaves also helped construct the Rappahannock Canal. There is more information available on the forge and stone quarry in the second floor Town Hall exhibit.
Railroads and Highways
This exhibit focuses on the impact of changing modes of transportation. Developments in travel offered African Americans the potential for greater freedom of movement, but also lead to new attempts at restriction. As you go through the exhibit, think about what travel would have been like in the segregated south.
RF&P Railroad Artifacts
The objects mounted on and along the gallery wall represent different aspects of building and running a railroad. Enslaved African Americans helped to build the RF&P Railroad, and worked in a number of jobs after the Civil War. Joseph Morton and James Sturdy were trackmen, Jim Ferguson was a brakeman, Robert Buckner worked the switch lights, John Seymore White handled baggage, and Pete Williams loaded passenger bags as a “red cap.” These were only some of the African Americans who helped keep the railroad running.
Silver Plated Teapot
This teapot used by Pullman Porters in guest service, represents the railroad job probably most often associated with African Americans. Certainly the image of the Black porter was popular in movies. By the time this teapot was in use, Pullman Porters had unionized under the leadership of porter A. Philip Randolph.
- A Different Viewpoint—travelling by rail
The Jim Crow laws required railroads to provide the same type of facilities for Blacks as for Whites. In 1908, however, a group of African Methodist Episcopal bishops lodged a formal complaint against the RF&P citing the poor conditions in the first class Negro cars, and protesting Blacks’ exclusion from sleeping and dining cars. Consider how the Pullman Porters might have felt about this situation.
Images of Early Drivers Licenses
When you look at the images of driver’s licenses on the wall panel do you see evidence of continued racial segregation? Because the construction of a separate roadway system for Blacks was impractical, the advent of the automobile offered the possibility of greater freedom of movement for African Americans within a single transportation system. Despite this, or perhaps because of it, roadway facilities such as restrooms and restaurants, remained segregated. Look for objects that show this in the Community exhibit upstairs.
- A Different Viewpoint—Chatham Bridge
According to local memory, during the Jim Crow era, many African Americans used the area at the base of the Chatham Bridge as an unofficial “restroom.” The facilities for blacks were clustered in the section of town near the railroad station. Those who found themselves in need while in the vicinity of William Street, where no “colored” facilities existed, used the shelter of the brush near the base of the bridge, with women using one side, and men the other.
- A Different Viewpoint—Jefferson Davis Highway
Not everyone felt pride at the opening of the Jefferson Davis Highway. For many African Americans, the memorializing of the Confederate president represented yet another way in which their history and experience was ignored. This view was not shared by all blacks, however. Some thought it best to move forward with federal initiatives such as the highway, even if it meant accepting the celebration of Confederate leaders. Why do you think they might have made this decision? How would you have felt?
Our Community
This exhibit considers Fredericksburg’s community history. For much of the 20th century, Jim Crow segregation laws fostered the creation of a separate African American community within the Fredericksburg community. The struggle to re-integrate the two communities occupied the second half of the century, and continues to challenge us today.
Oral History Station
Listen to Gaye Adegbalola’s memory of her experiences in the local Civil Rights Movement. As you listen, consider what the photo mural in front of you indicates about the present community. How far have we come?
Photograph of Mary Washington Hospital
The African American ward in Mary Washington Hospital was funded n part by the contribution of the money from the sale of the first African American Hospital in Fredericksburg. The Urbane F. Bass Memorial Hospital had been founded in 1921 in a former residence, but ultimately proved financially unsustainable. The “colored” ward was on the third floor of the hospital, where you see the dormer windows.
Photograph of James Farmer
Although he spent his last years as a faculty member of the University of Mary Washington, James Farmer first visited Fredericksburg in May of 1961 as head of the first Freedom Ride. The Fredericksburg Greyhound bus station was the first place that the Riders deliberately integrated in a test of the Supreme Court decision forbidding segregation in facilities that served interstate travel.
“White Ladies” Restroom Door
As you look at this door from a local gas station restroom, consider the memories of Freedom Riders Charles Person and James Peck of their experiences integrating the Fredericksburg bus station restrooms. Charles Person wrote, “My recollection of events in Fredericksburg in 1961 is vague, but I do remember it was un-eventful. It also gave me the feeling that this journey was going to be easy; but we know it was not.” (email dated October 19, 2011)
Person’s email also referred to James Peck’s memoire, written in 1962. Peck recollected, “The first white and colored signs we encountered were only 50 miles south of Washington atop the restroom doors at the Greyhound stop in Fredericksburg. Charles Person, a Negro student from Atlanta, went into the white restroom and I went into the colored restroom without incident.”
Jim Crow Bus Sign
The display case across from the restroom door contains a segregation sign from a local bus line. The actions of the Freedom Riders only affected interstate, not in-state, travel. Local buses were not integrated until the passage of the Civil Rights Act in 1963. How does the wording of the sign reflect this?
Klan Memorabilia
Many of the objects in this case suggest the veneer of civilization that the KKK put on its activities. The china seen here, for example, is one of many patterns of KKK china. Does that surprise you?
Klan Hood
Museums are generally very reluctant to exhibit Klan robes of any sort out of concern for the depth of emotion they evoke. Should objects like these be put on display? What might justify it?
- A Different Viewpoint
The photo panel across from the display case tells the stories of African American organizations and prominent community members. As you explore these, consider the evidence they give of an active and vibrant local community that thrived despite the injustices of segregation.
British Heritage, American Style
This exhibit celebrates the development of a vibrant artisan culture in early Virginia. The skilled and unskilled labor of enslaved people played an integral role in the production and consumption of goods during the 1700s and early 1800s.
Shackles
The first case in the exhibit includes slave shackles. What relationship do you think exists between these shackles, the account book, and the silver box? Would you display them together?
- A Different Viewpoint—industry and artisans
Enslaved workers helped to cut the sandstone at Aquia Quarry and run the forge at Rappahannock Forge. Records indicate that the forge employed at least one enslaved blacksmith in the late 1700s. Perhaps a slave produced some of the iron objects in the exhibit.
Alexander Walker Advertisement
In the section on cabinetmaking, look at the advertisement for Alexander Walker. Walker owned at least one enslaved cabinetmaker who assisted him in his shop on the corner of Caroline and Wolfe streets.
James Allen Side Chair
Perhaps James Allen’s slave Glasgow assisted in making the chair exhibited here. According to Allen’s 1798 will, Glasgow had his own set of cabinetmaking tools. Consider the tension between Glasgow’s skills and his status as a possession to be willed to Allen’s heirs.
- A Different Viewpoint—the silent artisans
Fredericksburg area records reveal that there were a number of enslaved artisans working in the 1700s and early 1800s. Many objects like those here may have been made in part or in whole by these artisans whose achievements remain uncredited. Consider this as you go through the remainder of the exhibit, and when you see any early Virginia furniture.
Silver Exhibit
The ownership and display of silver proclaimed status in eighteenth and nineteenth century America. It dazzles many viewers today as well, and we often marvel at the intricate patterning and engraving. Those charged with its care and cleaning, however, may have had a very different view of these objects. What do you think?
The Museum Doctor 