Expanding Enslaved Community Interpretation

As a leading national historic site, Mount Vernon ensures that guests connect to quality and inspiring scholarship about George Washington and the world in which he lived. To enrich this experience, in 2020, Mount Vernon further developed its resources and interpretation to address enslavement of persons at the estate in a meaningful, relevant, and visible manner.

This past year was Brenda Parker’s first full one in the new role of African American interpretation and special projects coordinator. She works closely with K. Allison Wickens, the vice president for education and guest services, to identify and strengthen our work interpreting enslavement by creating inclusive learning experiences and conducting outreach to individuals whose ancestors were enslaved at Mount Vernon. Parker’s rich and deep knowledge of the lives of enslaved people on the estate has led to the creation of new program models and training sessions, as well as network building, and has inspired future project planning. 

Parker’s innovative program strategies extend individual historical stories beyond bondage and have broadened our interpretations to include the legacies of life after enslavement. This connects our interpretation of enslavement with both tragedy and hope. Her museum theater piece, “Freedom Skies,” interprets the historic moment on January 1, 1801, when Washington’s will was put into effect by Martha Washington. Almost half of the enslaved community at Mount Vernon received their freedom, causing complex mixtures of joy and loss. Similarly, Parker’s livestream series with members of the descendant community helps connect Mount Vernon’s 18th-century history to people today. Each session explores how the story of hope unfolds over generations. 

Parker’s work is visible in daily estate programming, where she continues her interpretation of Caroline Branham and Priscilla for our guests. This work allows visitors a deeply personal glimpse into the lives of those enslaved at Mount Vernon. 

But her most enduring work may be behind the scenes. In 2020, she consulted with renowned authors and scholars, education networks, and her colleagues at Mount Vernon, offering reviews and feedback on interpreting African American history. With Covid-19 restrictions on-site, Parker worked with community partner Black Women United for Action to hold the annual Enslaved Memorial Ceremony virtually for the first time and expanded its reach nationwide to a record number of attendees. Continuing this work, in the early months of 2021, we expanded outreach to descendant communities with a quarterly email, genealogy workshops, and youth and family programs.