Founder of Slave Dwelling Project to Speak at Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site Visitor Center
Joseph McGill Jr., founder of the Slave Dwelling Project and a history consultant for Magnolia Plantation in Charleston, S.C., will deliver a presentation at the Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site Visitor Center on September 14.
For the past 14 years, McGill has worked to raise awareness about the preservation and interpretation of slave dwellings across the U.S. by spending nights in historically significant structures. This effort has covered 19 states and Washington, D.C. McGill engages with descendants of both enslaved and enslaver communities and speaks to diverse audiences, including students and community groups.
His interactive approach has included the participation in Civil War reenactments with the Company “I” 54th Massachusetts Reenactment Regiment, as well as organizing over 250 overnight stays in slave dwellings.
The Slave Dwelling Project has given McGill a platform to co-author the book “Sleeping with the Ancestors: How I Followed the Footprints of Slavery” with journalist Herb Frazier. His work and research highlight the importance of confronting difficult histories, ensuring inclusive narratives, and engaging communities in the preservation of historic sites.
The founder’s experience extends beyond the Slave Dwelling Project. McGill has worked with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, directed History and Culture at Penn Center in South Carolina, and held roles with the National Park Service. He is also a U.S. Air Force veteran.
McGill’s presentation at the Visitor Center marks a significant event in the ongoing effort to bring awareness to the narratives of enslaved peoples and the preservation of their historical sites.
Background of the Slave Dwelling Project
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The project aims to raise awareness about the preservation and interpretation of slave dwellings and their significance in understanding the experiences of enslaved people.
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It has organized over 250 overnight stays in slave dwellings across 19 states and Washington, D.C.
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The project focuses on exploring the histories and stories of both enslaved and enslaver communities, ensuring that the narratives of these communities are not forgotten.
Upcoming Event Details
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Date: September 14, 2024
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Time: 11:00 a.m.
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Location: Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site Visitor Center
The event is free and open to the public, providing an important opportunity to engage with McGill and his work. It contributes to the broader goal of acknowledging and learning from the difficult histories of the past.
Through such efforts, the Slave Dwelling Project continues to push the boundaries of cultural heritage preservation in the United States, ensuring that the stories of enslaved peoples are not lost to time.
Joseph McGill Jr.’s dedication to this endeavor serves as a testament to the importance of confronting and learning from the past to build a more inclusive society.
His presentation at the Visitor Center is just one step in the ongoing journey to preserve and honor the experiences of enslaved peoples, framing their stories as a critical part of American history.
