Elizabeth (Betty) Hemings (1735-1807) was born in slavery almost one hundred miles east of Monticello. She became a part of Thomas Jefferson's enslaved community in 1774, at the death of his father-in-law, John Wayles. A valued member of Jefferson's household staff, she was the mother of twelve. Over seventy-five of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren lived and worked at Monticello as cooks, butlers, seamstresses, weavers, carpenters, blacksmiths, gardeners, and musicians. Oral histories passed on through seven generations of her descendants consistently express the tradition of descent from Thomas Jefferson through Betty Hemings' daughters Mary, Betty, and Sally. This specific narrative has been transmitted to younger generations of descendants once they are old enough to remember and understand the significant aspects of their heritage. On display at the Monticello Visitors Center are artifacts found at the site of Betty Hemings' home during the last years of her life. Archaeological excavations in 1995 and 1996 revealed much about what her dwelling looked like and what might have been found on her table, and hinted at some of the activities that filled her life. Please use your browser's "back" button to return to the previous page.
Elizabeth (Betty) Hemings (1735-1807) was born in slavery almost one hundred miles east of Monticello. She became a part of Thomas Jefferson's enslaved community in 1774, at the death of his father-in-law, John Wayles. A valued member of Jefferson's household staff, she was the mother of twelve. Over seventy-five of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren lived and worked at Monticello as cooks, butlers, seamstresses, weavers, carpenters, blacksmiths, gardeners, and musicians.
Oral histories passed on through seven generations of her descendants consistently express the tradition of descent from Thomas Jefferson through Betty Hemings' daughters Mary, Betty, and Sally. This specific narrative has been transmitted to younger generations of descendants once they are old enough to remember and understand the significant aspects of their heritage.
On display at the Monticello Visitors Center are artifacts found at the site of Betty Hemings' home during the last years of her life. Archaeological excavations in 1995 and 1996 revealed much about what her dwelling looked like and what might have been found on her table, and hinted at some of the activities that filled her life.
Please use your browser's "back" button to return to the previous page.