The Life of Sally Hemings

This exhibit relies on the words of Sally Hemings’s and Thomas Jefferson’s son, Madison, to explore her life and the legacy of freedom she achieved for her family.

Location
Monticello, South Wing
Cost
Included in admission
A woman's dress form stands in front of projected shadows depicting Sally Hemings coming her daughter's hair while two boys play the violin

Sally Hemings lived with her four surviving children in one of the rooms along Monticello's South Wing. Here you will find The Life of Sally Hemings Exhibit, which features a 5-minute audio/visual presentation shown regularly throughout the day. Exhibit panels outside the room itself detail the life of one of the most well-known enslaved people in American history.

Exhibit Gallery

Online Exhibit

Daughter, mother, sister, aunt. Inherited as property. Seamstress. World traveler. Enslaved woman. Concubine. Negotiator. Liberator. Mystery.

Explore the Life of Sally Hemings exhibt online