Slave Dwelling Project: Living History

/ Bonnie Newman Davis

Nicole Moore and Joseph McGill of the Slave Dwelling Project will conduct cooking demonstrations in Meadow Farm’s outdoor kitchen on Saturday, June 7 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. The life of the enslaved cook and other topics will be discussed.

The Slave Dwelling Project, in Henrico County, Virginia, focuses on preserving and educating people about the history of slavery, particularly by highlighting and preserving former slave dwellings.  The project, founded by Joseph McGill, also encourages open dialogue about slavery and its legacy.  Campfire conversations and living history demonstrations are among some of the programs the Slave Dwelling Project has hosted to bring attention to and raise public awareness about the stories they hold. 

Joseph McGill’s Role: Joseph McGill, a descendant of enslaved people, is the founder of the project and has been actively involved in its initiatives. as well as others who were enslaved.

Preservation and Education:The project’s core mission is to preserve slave dwellings and use them as educational tools to understand slavery’s history and impact. 

Dialogue and Engagement: Open conversations about the past, the enslaved, and enslavers are encouraged with the goal to reconcile how history has been taught and shared. 

Events and Outreach:The project hosts events like campfire conversations, living history demonstrations, and open houses to engage the public and raise awareness. 

For more information, email sch107@henrico.gov, or visit Slave Dwelling Project.