THE MERE DISTINCTION OF COLOUR

Bravo, Montpelier!!!!! This is amazing. Beautiful. Well organized. Relevant.

https://www.whitehousehistory.org/slavery-in-the-james-madison-white-house

With intention, the Mere Distinction of Color takes us on an important historical journey. This story and exhibit showcases that we’re moving towards a people-centered preservation movement. Intersecting the origins of slavery and the still lingering injustices we witness today matters. Presenting enslaved workers as a community with agency and with a visible dignity that we all relate to matters. Historic sites not only teach us history and stimulate our intellectual curiosity for learning, but they also push humanity towards a better version of its past and present self. Montpelier’s leadership, innovation, and stewardship of American culture is guiding us towards an unwritten constitution of shared values and ideals that we all desire for the future. I’m thankful to be on this journey of reconciliation, healing, and transformation with everyone involved.
—Brent Leggs, Senior Field Office, National Trust for Historic Preservation

What you all have done is really excellent, and I am impressed by how many resources have been devoted to this project. I liked the movement from room to room and the different “feel” each one has.
—Dr. Nancy Bercaw, Curator, National Museum of African American History and Culture

As for the exhibit itself, I think Montpelier has outdone itself. The "head" and "heart" aspect that I really didn't get in embryo was made manifest in the execution. The focus on the emotional aspects of plantation slavery, specific to Montpelier, was masterfully done and very effective, and the other parts of the exhibit provide plenty of context for American slavery, locally, regionally, and nationally. The use of testimony from descendants was brilliant. And the use of all the different media enhances rather than detracts from the whole effect.

Beyond this, I have to applaud, not just the work of the Montpelier staff, but the decision to execute this exhibition at all. It is a very courageous step which will probably create some pushback, but isn't that the price you pay for leadership?
—David Mattern, Madison Scholar, UVA