History in the Making

Slave museum fights to shake off financial shackles

By Willona Sloan

Construction on the United States National Slavery Museum is slated to begin in 2009. Courtesy of the United States National Slavery Museum

Former Virginia Governor L. Douglas Wilder first conceived the idea for the United States National Slavery Museum (USNSM) after a trip to Senegal in 1992.  Though it has been years in the making, the interactive museum, designed by Chien Chung Pei, is still more dream than reality.

Funds permitting, construction will take place along the Rappahannock River in Fredericksburg beginning in 2009, but that date has yet to be set in concrete. Despite the passionate efforts of Wilder and board members such as Bill Cosby, fundraising efforts have stalled.

“Hurricane Katrina has posed quite a challenge to our fundraising,” said Dr. Vonita Foster, executive director. USNSM has raised about $50 million towards the $200 million goal.

Even though it hasn’t been built yet, organizers are clear about the mission. “The museum is founded on the ideals of quality and justice,” said Foster. “We want to design the exhibits for young people to help them to embrace and learn as much as they can about American history.”

While visitors may have a long wait for the museum’s grand opening, the USNSM opened an exhibit garden in June 2007 that is available year-round, so be sure to see this bit of history-in-the-making.

Visit www.usnationalslaverymuseum.org or call 540-548-8818.

(February 2008)

Tags: Lights, Museum, United States National Slavery Museum, USNSM