The 2002 revelation that George Washington kept slaves in his executive mansion at Philadelphia's Independence National Historical Park in the 1790s prompted an eight-year controversy about the role of slavery in America's commemorative landscape. When the President's House installation opened in 2010; it became the first federal property to feature a slave memorial. In Upon the Ruins of Liberty; Roger Aden offers a compelling account that explores the development of this important historic site and how history; space; and public memory intersected with contemporary racial politics. Aden constructs this engrossing tale by drawing on archival material and interviews with principal figures in the controversy-including historian Ed Lawler; site activist Michael Coard; and site designer Emanuel Kelly. Upon the Ruins of Liberty chronicles the politically-charged efforts to create a fitting tribute to the place where George Washington (and later; John Adams) shaped the presidency while denying freedom to the nine enslaved Africans in his household. From design to execution; the plans prompted advocates to embrace stories informed by race; and address difficulties that included how to handle the results of the site excavation. As such; this landmark project raised concerns and provided lessons about the role of public memory and how places are made to shape the nation's identity.
#774338 in Books CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform 2009-02-28 9.00 x .36 x 6.00l; #File Name: 1438285701144 pages
Review
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. Charming book about an Africa that doesn't exist anymoreBy Caitlin WoodsThis book has all the charm and grace that it should. While he is most indeed a hunter it is written in such way that you can't be angry about it. The writer is very detailed about his adventures and they're a wonderful read. He's smart charming and funny I laughed a few times he also writes about all the different tribes he mets and that alone is worth reading. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes English books and anyone who wants to learn more about the history of Africa.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Entertaining; in spite of the larger context of the pillaging of Africa...By Charles E. HiltonA well-written; easy read; without the usual stuffy; pretentious overstated prose characteristic of the period in which it was written. Very enjoyable. And the story goes well beyond the Tsavo incident; into the constructing of his bridges and his trophy-hunting. Even the insanity of killing everything in sight---while pillaging Africa---was made tolerable reading by the author. Over all; a revealing glimpse into the mind of a Victorian "English gentleman" hunter---which should give any sane person pause; and thank the gods that the only "proper Englishmen" are now just figureheads. I hope.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Rousing adventure in Victorian East Africa!By CustomerColonel Patterson's first hand account of dealing with the Maneating Lions of Tsavo is riveting reading indeed! Also entertaining is his description of conditions and happenings along the trackway and his interactions with workers and natives alike. While the actual settling of the lions makes for the highlight of the book; Colonel Patterson's handling of the mutiny of the workers and their conspiracy to murder him is capital reading. Colonel Patterson was a very brave man who never flinched from what he saw as his duty and you will be glad to have gotten to know this humble hero after finishing the book.
