You may want to talk with the first-person interpretation folks at Colonial
Williamsburg.  I understand they reenact things such as slave auctions and
other emotionally charged events.  I imagine they have put serious thought
into the language and content for these reenactments and would have some
idea how best to address this difficult topic with visitors.

Perhaps the The African American Museum could also help you.  I've never
been inside, but they may address the issue of slavery there.  You can reach
them at 701 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106-1557; or 215/574-0380.

Good luck with your exhibit!

Sandra Saluke
Education Projects Assistant
Association of Science-Technology Centers, Inc.
1025 Vermont Avenue, NW, Suite 500
Washington, DC 20005-3516
(202) 783-7200 ext. 128
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----Original Message-----
From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On
Behalf Of Christine Dwyer
Sent: Tuesday, April 10, 2001 6:44 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Slavery and vocabulary/content


Hello List,

Any advice on this issue is much appreciated.

We are busy re-designing an exhibit case in which slavery is the topic.  I
feel that our current case does not accurately communicate the conditions
which slaves endured.  How have other museums dealt with harsh
language/content (such as racial slurs, slave sales, etc)?  We don't want to
water down the content or make the topic more "palatable;" however, we do
want to be sensitive to younger visitors.

Christine M. Dwyer, Director
Stanly County Museum & Historic Preservation Commission
www.co.stanly.nc.us/Departments/Museum/index.htm

245 East Main Street, Albemarle, NC  28001 USA
Tel: 704/ 986-3777         Fax: 704/ 986-3778

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