The Thomas Jefferson Mystery-  How Enslaved People Were Living- Next Part 20: A Window into the Past?

How Enslaved People Were Living

The room also highlighted the difference between the Hemings’ lives as slaves, versus that of the others. Gardiner Hallock, director of the restoration for Jefferson’s home, noted that “the discovery gives us a sense of how enslaved people were living. Some of Sally’s children may have been born in this room.” “It is important because it shows Sally as a human being- a mother, daughter and sister – and brings out the relationships in her life.”

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Whilst the paradox of liberty rests with Jefferson, in that a man who cried out for the freedom of all not only kept slaves but kept one as a sexual slave. Not the most flattering secret to expose, particularly one regarding a U.S. President! It is speculated that Sally’s decision to return from Paris was owing to the fact that Jefferson promised the children she bore would be free once they came of age (21 years old). Perhaps not surprisingly, the Hemings were the only family that Jefferson freed among the slaves he kept (aside from three very lucky others).