Go behind the scenes for an exclusive look at Monticello's traveling exhibition, "Paradox of Liberty: Slavery at Jefferson's Monticello.”
 
Join us on Thursday, May 21st at 1:30pm for a conversation with Emilie Johnson, Associate Curator at Monticello and Adele Johnson, Executive Director at the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia. The discussion will be moderated by Gayle Jessup White, Public Relations and Community Engagement Officer at Monticello. Jessup White is a descendant of two enslaved families at Monticello, and of Thomas Jefferson.
 
“Paradox of Liberty” shares the stories of six enslaved families at Monticello. Through more than 300 artifacts and objects, the show also examines the life of Sally Hemings, the enslaved woman who bore Jefferson six children. During the livestream event, Johnson and Johnson will take us inside the planning process for this historic exhibit.
 
Since its 2012 premier, "Paradox," a partnership with Monticello and the Smithsonian Museum of African American History and Culture, has traveled to seven cities across the country and has been seen by almost 1.3 million people. In January 2020, "Paradox" opened in Virginia for the first time at BHMVA, located in Richmond’s historic Jackson Ward. Forced to close temporarily as a result of Covid-19, the exhibition has been extended with plans to re-open in the weeks ahead.  Until such time, we are pleased to offer this special viewing and discussion opportunity.