I had difficult taking photos without reflections, but at the same time I am grateful that photo taking is allowed. I always check first. All this being said I am happy with what I can get, just for the memory of things.
There were several exhibits about enslaved people. These exhibits put names to faces, made everything startlingly real and I felt myself feeling very sad at what they must have gone through.
As you will read below this painting, it shows the likeness of a gentleman called Ayuba Suleiman Diallo. Below the portrait are ankle shackles of the type he had to wear. You can also click on his name in red lettering to learn more.
You can enlarge these write-ups for easier reading.
This gentleman is a Cherokee Chief named Conocotocko II. The name means "Standing Turkey". Also named Cunne Shote.
A statue of George Washington is seen sitting near the entrance of the museum.
I am always interested in the person who created these pieces, and found info on a Facebook page and also here. I recognized one of the sculptures on that page. It was entitled "Departure". After a brief search through my blog I found the one I was thinking of. We were at The VanDussen Botanical Garden in Vancouver, Canada. I made a screen shot and have inserted part of that post below. You can see the whole post here if interesting. Far from snoozing on a bench this couple seemed to be saying goodbye, possibly for a long time.
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Getting back to the Yorktown museum, at the end of our walk we stopped at the café and ordered a drink and a snack. At the entrance another portrait caught our eye. This one was presumed to be of George Washington's cook, Hercules.
To save you from trying to read the small print on the picture, here is what it said.
"Artist: Gilbert Stuart (1755-1828) circa 1790 - oil on canvas.
Hercules was part of the presidential staff in Philadelphia. Under a 1791 Pennsylvania Law, slaves became free after 6 months in residence, Hercules. Washington's plan to keep him enslaved by shuttling him to Virginia. He fled in 1797. You can learn more of his story if you click on his name in red lettering.
This was a very educational trip.
We learned a lot about Colonial life in America, and I look forward to going back for more.
In the meantime I will be finding a few books on the subject.
Enjoy your day and thank you for going along with me to the museum.
Enjoy your day and thank you for going along with me to the museum.
Slavery is an embarrassment to this country. It is a sad thing that it ever existed. But there needs to be places like this, so we never forget.
ReplyDeleteHi Ginny, thank you for your very thoughtful comments, and I agree with you totally.
DeleteWhat a FASCINATING place. Thank you for sharing some of the wonders.
ReplyDeleteThank you EC and you are very welcome :)
DeleteMuito interessante e aproveito para desejar um bom mês de Outubro.
ReplyDeleteAndarilhar
Dedais de Francisco e Idalisa
O prazer dos livros
Obrigado e desejo o mesmo :)
DeleteHello, the museum looks wonderful. I love the sculpture of the couple on the bench. Thanks for sharing your visit. Enjoy your day and week ahead.
ReplyDeleteHi Eileen, so glad you enjoyed my post. Thank you and a happy day and week to you also :)
Deletethat departure sculpture is beyond amazing. he is so gifted, a really talenented artist. the painting are beautiful and the first two frames are stunning all by themselves...
ReplyDeleteHi Sandra, it is one of my favorites :)
DeleteI was going to use the same comment you made about leaning much history from the museum tour.Some of the men's clothing was very ornate as in King George's duds.
ReplyDeleteHi Red, they remind me of birds where the male is more vibrant in their coloring than the female :)
DeleteIt certainly is a fascinating museum.
ReplyDeleteThank you William, I agree :)
DeleteWhat a treasure trove you've taken us to today. Wow! Not only did I learn so much, I do enjoy history museums (and art, and science). You made my day Denise.
ReplyDeleteI am so happy about that Anni, glad you enjoyed this :)
Deletethis is a beautiful museum, the art is gorgeous!! the bronze statue is especially beautiful as well!!
ReplyDeleteThank you Debbie, glad you enjoyed the museum :)
DeleteWonderful museum and I love the art!
ReplyDeleteThank you Carol :)
DeleteInteresting look back at history, not an easy look back.
ReplyDeleteNo it isn't, not easy at times but I have been fascinated with history my whole life with all aspects of it.
DeleteOh no, the slave paintings... oh no. And George Washington...oh no. It is so hard to hear.
ReplyDeleteThere was a whole section inside the museum Sandi, hard to hear yes but it was the time.
DeleteDenise, this is a marvelous post! I love history and this museum is on my list of "must see." You have shown us very vividly how important it is to learn from our past so as not to repeat the problems. If only we would learn....Thank you so much for all the wonderful information!
ReplyDeleteThank you Martha Ellen, it was a real learning experience for me. Yes, if only we could learn. So glad you found this interesting :)
DeleteReally really fascinating stuff to me
ReplyDeleteGlad you think so, thank you Cloudia :)
DeleteWonderful post. Great pictures, and so much interesting information to go along with them. Thanks for sharing. And that statue, "Departure," is so beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThank you Great-Granny G :) Happy you enjoyed :)
DeleteI really enjoyed this Museum tour Denise, in spite of how sad some of our history makes me feel...but that is of course why it is important not to let it be forgotten. ...... I’m m sure I’ve seen some of that sculptors work, since the Benson Sculpture Park in Loveland is one of our must-visit places whenever we visit in Colorado. I’ve posted from there several times over the years and will go to check . Meanwhile, I do love that poignant “Departure”.
ReplyDeleteEvery country you look into there is some sad history Sallie but it's important to talk about isn't it and learn from I agree. Thank you so much and I expect these sculptures can be found in many other places. I would love to see the Benson Sculpture Park one day. Departure is a beautiful piece. I would love to know if there is a story behind it, maybe a memory from Mr. Lundeen's past.
DeleteThey certainly are, thank you Linda :)
ReplyDeleteThe frames are as amazing as the paintings.
ReplyDeleteVery much so Sandi :)
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