Patti Jo Harding became the family historian and, with the help of her cousin Diana Redman and Getting Word consultant, Beverly Gray, has been gathering information from courthouses and graveyards to understand the rich history of her family. She was present at the very first Getting Word interview, with other members of her family. She said, “Everybody keeps talking about Thomas Jefferson, … but I'd like to find out more about Sally.”
Interview Information
28 Dec. 1993, Chillicothe, OH Interviewees: George Pettiford, Jacqueline Pettiford, Ann Medley, Patti Jo Harding, Tony Medley
19 July 1995, Chillicothe, OH Interviewees: Diana Redman, Rosemary Ghoston Also present: Patti Jo Harding, Monica Steed, Beverly Gray, Terry Leonard
Excerpts
"In your mind you just go back"
George "Jack" Pettiford and Ann Medley describe visiting Monticello and thinking about their ancestors' lives on the plantation.
Ann Medley, George "Jack" Pettiford, and Patti Jo Harding discuss relatives who have passed as white and no longer acknowledge their African American heritage.