Legacy of Slavery: A Student's Understanding

by: Jason Luker

The program was like any other I have done over the course of my career. The Civil War was the topic and since we only had forty five minutes with the students, the program focused on slavery and how it was the center cause of the war. During the discussion, I tried to gauge the students understanding on slavery and see if they possibly understood the importance of this “peculiar institution” was to all of southern society. So I asked the student’s one simple question; what is a slave? Most of the answers were expected, but what was left out was surprising.

The students quickly identified that enslavement meant forced labor. Some students understood that slaves were owned by another, had to work without any compensation, and were not allowed any freedom. Brutality was mentioned at times, but mostly the students made enslavement sound like a rather crummy job.  I pressed the issue a bit further with the class, trying to get them to see that the slaves’ value and worth went beyond free labor, and then it dawned on me. No one had said anything about race or color. So, I asked what the big difference was between a slave and a slave owner. They replied that the slave owner was “white” and the slave was “African American.” I asked what they meant by “African American” and my question was met with silence. It took time, but finally someone confessed that the slaves were black.

I think the main reason the students would not use the word “black” was they were afraid to do so. Fear motivated them to come up with any way possible to describe slavery without using race. Apparently the students equated identifying slaves as “black” with being racist. The word stuck in their throat like glue. This program was a chance for the class to speak openly about a historical moment in history and try to better understand how slavery was such a central part of the Civil War. Because they were so worried about being associated with racism, it stopped them from actually examining the origins of slavery and its importance in American history.

I believe this is just one of many examples on how the history of slavery and its’ legacy has shaped the modern discussion on race.  To better recognize how race is understood and debated in the United States, people need to look at the struggle over slavery. This is impossible if we are unwilling to examine slavery completely and honestly.  This is especially true for historical organizations and museums. If we are not brave in our interpretation and eager to examine all facets of difficult topics such as racism and slavery, we are not fulfilling our obligation to the public. That does not mean we should be reckless and insensitive. Rather we should be bold in our work while providing assurance to others as they work through their fears and reservations.

If you are interested in learning more about the legacy of slavery and how this legacy has changed over the course of American history, please join us for the program Legacy of Slavery on Saturday, February 8^th at 1:00pm at the Gaston County Museum. For more information or to make a reservation, please call Jason Luker at 704-922-7681 ext. 105 or by email at Jason.luker@gastongov.com.      



Today’s blog post is for all my friends and colleagues who hoped and dreamed of donning the fedora and bullwhip…. 

-Regan Brooks, Registrar

January 22, 1939
Assistant Professor Henry “Indiana” Jones Jr.
Department of Anthropology
Chapman Hall 227B
Marshall College

Dr. Jones:

As chairman of the Committee on Promotion and Tenure, I regret to inform you that your recent application for tenure has been denied by a vote of 6 to 1. Following past policies and procedures, proceedings from the committee’s deliberations that were pertinent to our decision have been summarized below according to the assessment criteria.

Demonstrates suitable experience and expertise in chosen field:

The committee concurred that Dr. Jones does seem to possess a nearly superhuman breadth of linguistic knowledge and an uncanny familiarity with the history and material culture of the occult. However, his understanding and practice of archaeology gave the committee the greatest cause for alarm. Criticisms of Dr. Jones ranged from “possessing a perceptible methodological deficiency” to “practicing archaeology with a complete lack of, disregard for, and colossal ignorance of current methodology, theory, and ethics” to “unabashed grave-robbing.” Given such appraisals, perhaps it isn’t surprising to learn that several Central and South American countries recently assembled to enact legislation aimed at permanently prohibiting his entry.

Moreover, no one on the committee can identify who or what instilled Dr. Jones with the belief that an archaeologist’s tool kit should consist solely of a bullwhip and a revolver.

Nationally recognized for an effectual program of scholarship or research supported by publications of high quality:

Though Dr. Jones conducts “field research” far more often than anyone else in the department, he has consistently failed to report the results of his excavations, provide any credible evidence of attending the archaeological conferences he claims to attend, or produce a single published article in any peer-reviewed journal. Someone might tell Dr. Jones that in academia “publish or perish” is the rule. Shockingly, there is little evidence to date that Dr. Jones has successfully excavated even one object since he arrived at Marshall College. Marcus Brody, curator of our natural-history museum, assured me this was not so and graciously pointed out several pieces in the collection that he claimed were procured through Dr. Jones’s efforts, but, quite frankly, we have not one shred of documentation that can demonstrate the provenance or legal ownership of these objects.

Meets professional standards of conduct in research and professional activities of the discipline:

The committee was particularly generous (and vociferous) in offering their opinions regarding this criterion. Permit me to list just a few of the more troubling accounts I was privy to during the committee’s meeting. Far more times than I would care to mention, the name “Indiana Jones” (the adopted title Dr. Jones insists on being called) has appeared in governmental reports linking him to the Nazi Party, black-market antiquities dealers, underground cults, human sacrifice, Indian child slave labor, and the Chinese mafia. There are a plethora of international criminal charges against Dr. Jones, which include but are not limited to: bringing unregistered weapons into and out of the country; property damage; desecration of national and historical landmarks; impersonating officials; arson; grand theft (automobiles, motorcycles, aircraft, and watercraft in just a one week span last year); excavating without a permit; countless antiquities violations; public endangerment; voluntary and involuntary manslaughter; and, allegedly, murder.

Dr. Jones’s interpersonal skills and relationships are no better. By Dr. Jones’s own admission, he has repeatedly employed an underage Asian boy as a driver and “personal assistant” during his Far East travels. I will refrain from making any insinuations as to the nature of this relationship, but my intuition insists that it is not a healthy one, nor one to be encouraged. Though the committee may have overstepped the boundaries of its evaluation, I find it pertinent to note that Dr. Jones has been romantically linked to countless women of questionable character, an attribute very unbecoming of a Marshall College professor. One of these women was identified as a notorious nightclub singer whose heart he attempted to extract with his hands, and whom he then tried, and failed, to lower into a lake of magma. Another was a Nazi scholar he was seen courting just last year who, I’m told, plummeted into a fathomless abyss at Dr. Jones’s hand. And, of course, no one can forget the slow decline and eventual death of Professor Abner Ravenwood after Dr. Jones’s affair with Abner’s underage daughter was made public, forcing her to emigrate to Nepal to escape the debacle.

Demonstrates successful record in undergraduate and graduate teaching:

In his nine years with the department, Dr. Jones has failed to complete even one uninterrupted semester of instruction. In fact, he hasn’t been in attendance for more than four consecutive weeks since he was hired. Departmental records indicate Dr. Jones has taken more sabbaticals, sick time, personal days, conference allotments, and temporary leaves than all the other members of the department combined.

The lone student representative on the committee wished to convey that, besides being an exceptional instructor, a compassionate mentor, and an unparalleled gentleman, Dr. Jones was extraordinarily receptive to the female student body during and after the transition to a coeducational system at the college. However, his timeliness in grading and returning assignments was a concern.

Establishment of an appropriate record of departmental and campus service:

Dr. Jones’s behavior on campus has led not only to disciplinary action but also to concerns as to the state of his mental health. In addition to multiple instances of public drunkenness, Dr. Jones, on three separate occasions, has attempted to set fire to the herpetology wing of the biology department. Perhaps most disturbing, however, are the statements that come directly from Dr. Jones’s mouth. Several faculty members maintain that Dr. Jones informed them on multiple occasions of having discovered the Ark of the Covenant, magic diamond rocks, and the Holy Grail! When asked to provide evidence for such claims, he purportedly replied that he was “kind of immortal” and/or muttered derogatory statements about the “bureaucratic fools” running the U.S. government. Given his history with the Nazi Party, I fear where his loyalty lies.

- – - -

To summarize, the committee fails to recognize any indication that Dr. Jones is even remotely proficient when it comes to archaeological scholarship and practice. His aptitude as an instructor is questionable at best, his conduct while abroad is positively deplorable, and his behavior on campus is minimally better. Marshall College has a reputation to uphold. I need not say more.

My apologies,

Prof. G.L. Stevens

Chairman

(written by Andy Bryan from Timothy Sweeney’s Internet Tendency)

PREschool PREview!  

As the new Programs Assistant at the museum, I just wanted to take the time to introduce myself and talk about upcoming PREschool PREview programs! I grew up in Kings Mountain, North Carolina. My dad instilled in me a love of history early on in my life by taking me out to the

Kings Mountain Battleground on the weekends and always making sure our family vacations were educational. I just recently graduated from the College of Charleston as a double major in history and political science. While I was in college, I was a nursery worker at St. Michael’s Church, the oldest church in Charleston, and gave historic home tours for the Preservation Society.

I am so excited to be the new Programs Assistant because it combines my love of working with children with my love of history and crafts. So far I have had a blast making turkey hats and gumdrop snowflake ornaments with the kids but my favorite program is the Appalachian Folktales program that I am putting on this month. I am reading “Jack and the Bean Tree” from The Jack Tales by Ray Hicks and then having kids plant their very own bean plant. I am also planning Victorian Valentines for February 8^th from 10:00 to 11:00am at the museum. Your kids will get to hear a story, make a Rebus Valentine’s Day card for a loved one, and have cupcakes for just $2! So be sure to bring your kids because this might be the last Saturday PREschool PREview. We are thinking of going back to Terrific Toddler Tuesday every fourth Tuesday of the month.

If you have any concerns about moving the program from Saturday back to Tuesday or just want more information on preschool programs, please contact me at 704-922-7681 (106) or Jordan.Hubbard@gastongov.com.  I look forward to seeing you and your kids at the museum! 

The Museum Field

Jeff Pruett- Director

I often get asked from various students and even museum guests or the general public – “how did you get into what you do?”  or “how can I get a job in the museum field?”  Most folks are very energetic, passionate, study art or history and are eager to learn.  There are definitely some suggestions I would offer to you if you or someone you know is interested in this  field.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

I began studying Anthropology at UNC-Charlotte and minored in Museum Studies.  I remember my brother commenting to me, “I’m just concerned about you finding a job in that field.”  I’m sure my parents were too, but they never verbalized it.  Many parents are concerned that the types of skills we gain studying in history or museum studies are not marketable in the overall job field.

Gaston County Museum of Art & History
I interned here and gained invaluable
skills and contacts.

Historic Latta Plantation
My first museum job as Curator
of Education/Volunteer Coordinator 

I have absolutely loved museums since I was a child.  When I became older and discovered people worked in museums, I was ready!  But, it is a very competitive field.  I would highly recommend doing internships while in college or even after college.  Even though many are unpaid, the experience and contacts you gain are invaluable.  Your first job may be part-time and it may involve Guest Services, but as we say, your foot is in the door.  While in your first job, prove yourself, go above and beyond the call of duty and let folks know your passion for the field.  Eventually, a full-time job will open up and if you have proven yourself, the odds may be in your favor.  To advance in the field, a Master’s Degree is highly recommended.  I took a small break after my B.A., but went back and completed my M.A. while working full-time in the field.  

Gaston County Museum of Art & History
My current museum job...started as Programs Coordinator
and am currently Director

Historic Brattonsville
My second museum job as School Programs
Coordinator and later as Public Programs Coordinator

For further advice or questions, please do not hesitate to give me a call or an email – Jeff Pruett – 704.922.7681 x101 or jeff.pruett@gastongov.com.  

GOOD LUCK IN ALL YOUR ENDEAVORS!            

A Blank Canvas: Creating Museum Exhibits

People often ask us where we get the objects we have on display during special exhibits like our current exhibit The Evolution of Recorded Sound. It is always an adventure when we use mainly loaned objects instead of items we have in our collection for an exhibit. It is like starting with a blank canvas and searching out the perfect colors and texture to create the masterpiece you have in your head. 

Most of the time, we simply put an article in the papers, advertise on our website and Facebook page, and use word of mouth to search out objects.  We rely on the kindness of strangers to make our vision come alive.  It is never as simple as getting a phone call and picking up an item for loan though.  It is a process of hearing the story behind the object, learning about its life and where it has been and how it came to be with its current owner.

We also meet some interesting people along the way. One gentleman was still in his pajamas, drinking his morning coffee, when we showed up at our designated time of 11:00 am. We have been offered all kinds of beverages, food, and garden produce. We have been taken on tours of basements, attics and outbuildings.  But without fail, we have been welcomed into every home with enthusiasm and made to feel like family. It is our great responsibility to take care of the treasures that are put in our custody, and it is a privilege to share the story of these objects.

So Long, Farewell, auf Wiedersehen, Adieu!

For the past four years I have acted as the Outreach Coordinator for the Gaston County Museum of Art and History. At the start of the New Year I will be embarking on a new adventure with another regional institution. In light of this, I thought it would be apropos to take a moment and reflect on my time here.

If there was one thing that made this experience truly stand out it has been the wonderful people who worked along side of me at the Gaston Museum. The staff here is relatively small and unfortunately the vast majority are part-time.  This by no means indicates that they don’t work hard, but rather that they find ways to cram a lot of work into a very small period of time. It’s always incredible to see a finished product, after watching incredibly talented individuals invest so much of themselves into the project. The curatorial staff has produced amazing installations out of seemingly nothing and the administrative staff has worn the burden of keeping this wonderful resource open, often without subjecting the rest of us to rumors of doomsday! Because I’ve worked beside of them so very closely throughout the previous years, the education staff at the museum will always mean so very much to me. Not having some of these individuals around on a constant basis is going to be almost as big a change as the new job!

Today’s museums often have to rely upon local volunteers to round out the staff and hopefully assist with tasks that are beyond their means. This museum has been no different. We have been blessed with many wonderful individuals that have assisted in ways too numerous to count. Because my principle function was the development and implementation of school-aged programming, I had to often rely on a bevy of talented people who were willing to give their time simply to make the experiences better. 

I’m proud to say that through my four years, I’ve not only made very good acquaintances, I’ve made friends, both at the museum and in the community.

Thank you all,

Robert Bemis

You've Got Mail!

Alas, this shall be my final blog post. My year as an intern at the Gaston County Museum is over, and it’s time to pass the torch to another emerging museum professional. Internships are invaluable in gaining experience for jobs. This internship has been with a superb group of people, and I would recommend it to anyone.

My final project as an intern has been cataloging a collection of letters from the 1950s from a large family that lived in Gaston County. Letters are exciting to museum professionals and historians because they are honest writings about day to day activities. They can have beautiful quotes and provide opinions about the events of the times. This collection is mainly letters to one brother from his brothers and sisters in the area.

The letters also remind us that human life is often mundane. The content is often writing of the weather (it used to snow here a LOT – feet and feet of snow in Mount Holly), updates on the health and deaths of various family and friends (nearly one death per letter), making plans for visiting (how could you plan a trip by letter? If someone writes that they will be at the train station in two days you had better be sure you show up), and sharing various other information. Every once in a while the different writers will reference larger world events such as communism or various political persons like Kennedy.

What is interesting to ponder is who will read the communications we send? All of our written communication is in electronic devices. Many emails are kept on the internet but only available as long as there is access to the email account. They won’t get passed along from generation to generation. No one else will be able to read them except for those who print their emails. This digital age is going to be difficult to archive because our text messages die with our phone batteries. Our ability to communicate has tripled with email and text but the likelihood of preserving it has dropped tremendously. I recommend taking the time to send a hand written note or letter to your friends that you usually message. Maybe that letter will become precious and stay with that person for a life time, and a museum can read it one day and truly know what life was like in the 2000s.