A First
Spokeswoman for Monticello, Mia Magruder Damman notes that “for the first time at Monticello, we have a physical space dedicated to Sally Hemings and her life.” The significance of this discovery, and the ability to pay respect to her life is extraordinary, as it “connects the entire African-American arch at Monticello.” The discovery did three things; it answered questions, it clarified rumours, and gave insight to the daily activities of Monticello, as well as the human interactions there.
The estate’s curators are now working around the clock to more solidly incorporate her life, rightfully, into Jefferson’s story, and dismiss the notions that she was merely his mistress; his “concubine.” But we are not quite finished there; there is more to the story, and these other facts hold even greater significance.
A Window into the Past?
Uncovering Sally Hemings’ room also revealed that she enjoyed a standard of living well above that of the other slaves who lived at Monticello. Regardless, she was still a slave, and was treated thus, though there were some indicators which shed light on her own living conditions. Historians note that Hemings’ room was dark and dingy, with no natural light allowed in; there were no windows whatsoever, so the conditions would have been uncomfortable.
Some historians have mentioned the possibility that building the bathroom above her quarters was calculated; it was an attempt to cover up Sally and her secret, as it was considered a great insult, not only to Jefferson’s legacy, but to her own. However, following her death, her story was to be known to all.
Revealing the Truth
Following its discovery, historians and the committee of the Thomas Jefferson Foundation sought to restore Sally Hemings’ room for public display, with its expected open date to be during 2018. The space is designed to exhibit with furniture of the period as well as artefacts excavated on the property; such pieces include fine ceramics and bone toothbrushes!
Where previously the secrets of the estate were kept under lock and key, the $35-million Mountaintop Project at Monticello has made a bold effort to create more transparency; to tell the stories of both the free and enslaved people who inhabited the estate. In recent years, tours have been offered which focus solely on the Hemings family, with a reception which has been overwhelmingly positive.
Outside of the Mystery
Monticello estate is seemingly finished with avoiding Jefferson’s relationship with Hemings, with a new exhibit shedding light on the realities of slavery, as well as the truth behind Hemings. The discovery of Hemings’ room also allowed for the public to see the real, human side. Niya Bates, historian, remarked that the room would “portray her outside of the mystery” – no longer a topic of debate and speculation, but as the living, breathing woman she was.
The exhibit seeks to bring life to a woman who was constantly linked to the drama of Jefferson’s life, not to mention terrible rumours and scandalous gossip. “She was a mother, a sister, an ancestor for her descendants (pictured), and [the room’s presentation] will really just shape her as a person and give her a presence outside of the wonder of their relationship,” Bates stated. Before the room was discovered, Sally’s name was never mentioned, and tours skimmed briefly over Jefferson’s love life, merely noting that he widowed a relatively young man.
Remembering Sally’s Name
With its newfound focus on the realities for the majority of the people who lived and worked there; not just the wealthy owners, Monticello’s change of course departs from the original portrayal towards the public. Retired historian Lucia “Cinder” Stanton began working at Monticello estate in 1968, and recalls that during her time there, Sally’s name was never mentioned; it was Monticello’s dirty little secret.
Back in the 60s it would have been scandalous to unveil such a secret, even if there were rumours whirring around; as such, little was said about the Hemings family in its entirety. It was not until the 250th anniversary of Jefferson’s birthday in 1993 that the tours began to include stories of the slaves who worked and lived on the estate. Despite this giant leap forward in uncovering the truth of the livelihoods of those who lived there, it would take many more years for another fact to come to light. This fact would bring the descendants (pictured) of the slaves to visit the property their ancestors once called home.