Beyond the doors of the big house something extraordinary is happening... Someone is making a difference.
The Slave Dwelling Project founder, Joe McGill, has set a goal to visit every former slave dwelling in the United States and has devoted his life to raising awareness for the need to preserve these historically important, often-neglected structures and to enriching the narrative surrounding historic homes to include the stories of those who were enslaved there.
Joe McGill has spent the last 13 years visiting 25 states in his quest to achieve this goal. Out of his experiences have grown nationally recognized programs as America has embraced the need to tell a more complete story. Join Joe McGill for a weekend experience like no other as he visits Columbus’ historic Temple Heights and The Haven.
Free \ Friday, April 8 \ 7pm-9 pm
CAMPFIRE CONVERSATIONS will focus on slavery and the legacy it left on this nation. Joe McGill will lead the discussion on topics ranging from historical trauma, southern monuments, and George Floyd’s death to weddings on plantations. Bring your questions and your lawn chairs. Have a seat, enjoy the warmth of the campfire, and take in how powerful testimony, openness, and genuine desire for understanding can be. After the enlightening experience of the campfire conversations, you can choose to:
$20-45 \ Friday, April 8 \ 10pm - 8am
SPEND THE NIGHT IN A SLAVE DWELLING, a once in a lifetime opportunity. For some it may take courage to cross the threshold where ancestors were once enslaved, for others it may take courage to consider ancestors who were slave owners; all are present because maintaining these dwellings is an important aspect to preserving the story of slavery in America. Sleep in a dwelling, pitch a tent or roll out a sleeping bag on the grounds.
$45 \ Saturday April 9 \ 10am-1pm
BEHIND THE BIG HOUSE: Tour the Big Houses of Temple Heights and The Haven, go Behind the Big Houses with the Slave Dwelling Project.
Tour Temple Heights Mansion and go Behind the Big House to hear Joe McGill, founder of the Slave Dwelling Project, tell the stories of the enslaved people who lived and worked there. Next, tour The Haven, built by free men of color and slave owners, brothers Thomas and Isaac Williams. Joe McGill will be on hand to tell the fascinating stories of the slaves who were purchased by people of their same color.