Over 9 years, Amplifier worked with this site of one of Thomas Jefferson’s plantations, beginning to recognize and restore the memory and dignity of the enslaved men, women, and children who lived and labored here whether Jefferson was present or not.
Our 2013-2015 Interpretive Planning process put the wheels of change in motion, serving as the catalyst to build relationships with the area’s African American community, including descendants. Together, we expanded the story from solely Jefferson to include the enslaved population. In 2016, our Schematic Design studied, conceived, and documented a program of exhibits throughout the house and landscape to realize that theme.
Phase 1 of the exhibits opened in late 2022, naming enslaved individuals and restoring their memories to the place. The parts of our work that are most visible are the organization of the experience, text writing, design, and art direction. Behind that are years of stakeholder engagement, project management, and formative evaluation.
Partners
106 Group (prime contractor)
E.B. Lewis (art)
Drumminhands Design (design)
Aurora Consulting (evaluation)
Pam Smith (research and engagement)
Seitu Jones (public art consultation)
Leslie King (facilitation)
Argentine Productions (media concepts)