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.
