I'm sitting in my warm den, coffee in hand, with pleasant thoughts of friends, my community, our grown children and their families in this season of light and love. Reading this challenges my reverie. I had read about this museum and knew intellectually about the horrors of slavery and lynchings into the 20th century. Scenes of The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pitman have played in my mind for years. Reading this reminds us of the horrors of our past. We must never forget.
I could not even look other visitors in the eye. But the one thing I was noticed was that it quiet. There was very little talking even among ourselves and virtually no interaction.
I keep hypothesizing we are in a Second Reconstruction. (Read Ta-Nehisi Coates’ Eight Years in Power and then fast forward to Jane Mayer’s Dark Money, the GOP response to a Black President).
And then, see our government’s tepid response to Trump’s actual violence against immigrant children, gassing peaceful protestors, and Jan 6th, and I see a recipe for generations of failure at this experiment we call democracy.
We could have done better. Because we have history to teach us.
Man's absolute inhumanity to man. Disgusting!! I can remember years ago, I think it was the early 1960's, and the news was on, and somewhere down south, a black man was hung, and I remember the camera actually showed the man still hanging, and some man saying, "now ain't that a pretty sight". I remember it scared me. I hope that every single person who participated in such a heinous act rots in hell for eternity! I also sometimes think that the reason the Pilgrims came here was for religious freedom, and how ironic the word "freedom" became more of a mockery than it ever became a cornerstone to build on. Truly heartbreaking.
and how expensive lies about patriotism can be sold.
I suspect the middle east will not be better under hmpy trmpedo.. and eventually gas prices will go up, but that will be sold as 'the price of freedom'
We are producing more domestic oil than ever, and hmpy will take credit for that
I think now, you can understand why many minorities hold a tempered and guarded understanding of American history and it's values, past and current. American culture has changed greatly for the most part, and not easily, but an undercurrent of racism and prejudices, seismic and homophobia still rear their ugly heads. That is what the future administration has and will stoke in it's quest for complete power. This is what We, the People, have to fight against in every way possible, loudly and quietly, bravely and consistently. I hope more of us feel what you now feel.
I suppose that is another take away from this experience. The fact that such evil was permitted to evolve and exist in another time, means it an happen again and certainly some of the recent events confirm that.
Sounds like it will happen to more minorities = muslim, hispanic and even tho they likely are no longer an actual minority - women! Or will be more "outright" racism - if thats possible.
The headline made me expect a story about the south whitewashing its past. Wow, was I wrong.
Maybe there is really good news in this museum in the.deep south Maybe we as a nation are owning up to our racist, violent, murderous past. And just maybe we will all come away from stories, museums, and honest reporting just a little bit better people.
Thank you for telling us. It sounds like I must travel to cry again, like I did at Auschwitz, at the Vietnam memorial in D.C., at the deportation site in Paris, and at the 911 memorial in New York.
So much of our history, and it was something I did not realize, especially in the early 20th century with the rise of the Klan and building monuments to the Confederacy. And some of it continues. Late last night, my thoughts went back to that enormous confederate flag in Farmville, Virginia and wished those citizens could view The Legacy Museum and then fly their flag in good conscious.
When we were charged just $11 for admission for the two of us, I incorrectly assumed that the museum probably was not that good. The board for this museum made sure to keep the admission price affordable so anyone and everyone could hear this story. If this is not on your bucket list, get it on there.
Ken, thank you for this heartwrenching report. Sadly, I believe that Trump supporters are still in the mind set you describe about the horrors inflicted on slaves so long ago. I feel comfort in knowing that many smart and caring people live in this area. Were it not for your newsletter, I would not know that. I learned last month that some of your readers do not agree with us. They are church going people who support Trump. That simply makes no sense. I hope we find a tangible way to take back this area and make it peaceful and forward thinking. Safe travels to you and Dave. Peace to all this holiday season! From -4 degrees Lake George ❄️☃️💙
Interesting that you talk about peace. I am sitting a few miles from the Edward Pettus Bridge where one of the most violent events of the Civil Rights Era took place. More on that later.
Thank you for taking us on this journey with you. The photos add yet another dimension to our virtual experience. Be safe, and Merry Christmas to you and your guys! 🎄
It is hard to believe pos_tfnkkk or hmpy trmPEDOphile have gone to the Legacy Museum. I acutally wonder if they have been to Alabama... or any memorial that remembers that even Americans can be evil.
I think it really falls into what rational people call history, what gQpedos call C.R.T. (critical race theory).
I wonder if any republicans... Alabama gQpeds went to Legacy.. unless someone the evil education system took them on a field trip....Though I can’t imagine their parent would sign off on that.
I have to say, the thought of going to Legacy Museum myself is hard, mainly because it hard for me to take large doses of evil. I read books about it, I know the history, and will always lobby for it being taught.... but it is hard for me to contemplate so much evil in a day at the museum.
The fact that right-wing politicians and media want to block out history of lynching, Jim Crow and slavery is probably the definition of evil. And when we discuss the atrocities that our America has committed and continually tries hid, we need to frame that as Evil.
Pure evil and nothing else. Not alternative facts. Not protecting the fragile minds. But hiding facts with evil intent
Mr. Tingley.. it occurred that I didn't thank you for this.. but know I follow you BECAUSE I am thankful for your essays and the facts you present before us.
And know that I am a fan, though I might not state it each time you post something.
Another interesting fact. The $20 million museum was funded entirely with private donations. They did not want any government money. I suppose that is telling.
Sadly, as a retired pastor, I have to agree, John. But I also remember that when I helped plan a response to the coming of the KKK I had the support (by vote) of our official church board. Also, our church hosted an ecumenical worship service to kick off our community “Celebration of Unity” events that took place on the Marietta College campus at the same time the KKK was holding its rally on the county courthouse steps just two blocks away.
We need to guard against stereotyping of any kind.
Chilling. Excellent article. The power of a moderated exposure to facts is so evident here, both in breathtaking curation and honest writing. Alabama was not on my list of destinations, until now.
You really provide a truly horrific but frighteningly accurate written picture of the Museum. How many people just can't make it all the way through the exhibits....just too much when you start to understand how terrible the past in this country really is. The final sentence about what you saw as you came out of the museum....right there...a Trump sign. Really takes your breath away. Where are we now in this country, with this history, and just where are we heading? As somehow else pointed out, sort of amazing that this incredible museum is right there, IN the south. It probably needs to be repeatedly built in many states.
I went through the Anne Frank House/Museum in Amsterdam several years ago. Your experience in the Legacy Museum and what it invoked in you, sounds familiar to me. I have never forgotten the tragedy of her young life nor will I forget the tragedy of Emmett Till. This article is important and I appreciate that you shared it.
😭😭😭
Thank you for sharing this Ken. We have yet, as a nation, taken this journey.
I'm sitting in my warm den, coffee in hand, with pleasant thoughts of friends, my community, our grown children and their families in this season of light and love. Reading this challenges my reverie. I had read about this museum and knew intellectually about the horrors of slavery and lynchings into the 20th century. Scenes of The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pitman have played in my mind for years. Reading this reminds us of the horrors of our past. We must never forget.
I had such a similar experience
I could not even look other visitors in the eye. But the one thing I was noticed was that it quiet. There was very little talking even among ourselves and virtually no interaction.
Thank you for your excellent journalism here.
I keep hypothesizing we are in a Second Reconstruction. (Read Ta-Nehisi Coates’ Eight Years in Power and then fast forward to Jane Mayer’s Dark Money, the GOP response to a Black President).
And then, see our government’s tepid response to Trump’s actual violence against immigrant children, gassing peaceful protestors, and Jan 6th, and I see a recipe for generations of failure at this experiment we call democracy.
We could have done better. Because we have history to teach us.
Man's absolute inhumanity to man. Disgusting!! I can remember years ago, I think it was the early 1960's, and the news was on, and somewhere down south, a black man was hung, and I remember the camera actually showed the man still hanging, and some man saying, "now ain't that a pretty sight". I remember it scared me. I hope that every single person who participated in such a heinous act rots in hell for eternity! I also sometimes think that the reason the Pilgrims came here was for religious freedom, and how ironic the word "freedom" became more of a mockery than it ever became a cornerstone to build on. Truly heartbreaking.
Pilgrims were not a live and let live sect.
How cheaply some Americans can be bought……gas in Alabama😖 and how sad and disgusting our history 😔
and how expensive lies about patriotism can be sold.
I suspect the middle east will not be better under hmpy trmpedo.. and eventually gas prices will go up, but that will be sold as 'the price of freedom'
We are producing more domestic oil than ever, and hmpy will take credit for that
Superb commentary. I feel like I’m right there with you both.
Dear Ken,
I think now, you can understand why many minorities hold a tempered and guarded understanding of American history and it's values, past and current. American culture has changed greatly for the most part, and not easily, but an undercurrent of racism and prejudices, seismic and homophobia still rear their ugly heads. That is what the future administration has and will stoke in it's quest for complete power. This is what We, the People, have to fight against in every way possible, loudly and quietly, bravely and consistently. I hope more of us feel what you now feel.
Sexism, not seismic. That was a missed autocorrection. It would be seismic to correct sexism and all the other prejudices and injustices, though.
I suppose that is another take away from this experience. The fact that such evil was permitted to evolve and exist in another time, means it an happen again and certainly some of the recent events confirm that.
Absolutely.
Sounds like it will happen to more minorities = muslim, hispanic and even tho they likely are no longer an actual minority - women! Or will be more "outright" racism - if thats possible.
We live in 2 countries, make no mistake...Ken, you and I will be "pushing up daisies" when the day of recounting comes.
The headline made me expect a story about the south whitewashing its past. Wow, was I wrong.
Maybe there is really good news in this museum in the.deep south Maybe we as a nation are owning up to our racist, violent, murderous past. And just maybe we will all come away from stories, museums, and honest reporting just a little bit better people.
Thank you for telling us. It sounds like I must travel to cry again, like I did at Auschwitz, at the Vietnam memorial in D.C., at the deportation site in Paris, and at the 911 memorial in New York.
yet, if you give it any thought.... hasn't this history been whitewashed by
republicans, fox.. and their 'no crt'?
So much of our history, and it was something I did not realize, especially in the early 20th century with the rise of the Klan and building monuments to the Confederacy. And some of it continues. Late last night, my thoughts went back to that enormous confederate flag in Farmville, Virginia and wished those citizens could view The Legacy Museum and then fly their flag in good conscious.
When we were charged just $11 for admission for the two of us, I incorrectly assumed that the museum probably was not that good. The board for this museum made sure to keep the admission price affordable so anyone and everyone could hear this story. If this is not on your bucket list, get it on there.
Ken, thank you for this heartwrenching report. Sadly, I believe that Trump supporters are still in the mind set you describe about the horrors inflicted on slaves so long ago. I feel comfort in knowing that many smart and caring people live in this area. Were it not for your newsletter, I would not know that. I learned last month that some of your readers do not agree with us. They are church going people who support Trump. That simply makes no sense. I hope we find a tangible way to take back this area and make it peaceful and forward thinking. Safe travels to you and Dave. Peace to all this holiday season! From -4 degrees Lake George ❄️☃️💙
Interesting that you talk about peace. I am sitting a few miles from the Edward Pettus Bridge where one of the most violent events of the Civil Rights Era took place. More on that later.
Thank you for taking us on this journey with you. The photos add yet another dimension to our virtual experience. Be safe, and Merry Christmas to you and your guys! 🎄
It is hard to believe pos_tfnkkk or hmpy trmPEDOphile have gone to the Legacy Museum. I acutally wonder if they have been to Alabama... or any memorial that remembers that even Americans can be evil.
I think it really falls into what rational people call history, what gQpedos call C.R.T. (critical race theory).
I wonder if any republicans... Alabama gQpeds went to Legacy.. unless someone the evil education system took them on a field trip....Though I can’t imagine their parent would sign off on that.
I have to say, the thought of going to Legacy Museum myself is hard, mainly because it hard for me to take large doses of evil. I read books about it, I know the history, and will always lobby for it being taught.... but it is hard for me to contemplate so much evil in a day at the museum.
The fact that right-wing politicians and media want to block out history of lynching, Jim Crow and slavery is probably the definition of evil. And when we discuss the atrocities that our America has committed and continually tries hid, we need to frame that as Evil.
Pure evil and nothing else. Not alternative facts. Not protecting the fragile minds. But hiding facts with evil intent
Mr. Tingley.. it occurred that I didn't thank you for this.. but know I follow you BECAUSE I am thankful for your essays and the facts you present before us.
And know that I am a fan, though I might not state it each time you post something.
Your readership and your regular commentary contributions is gift enough.
Your readership and your regular commentary contributions is gift enough.
Another interesting fact. The $20 million museum was funded entirely with private donations. They did not want any government money. I suppose that is telling.
Another thing to consider is that most if not all the people who attended these lynchings went to church the following Sunday.
/\ /\ /\ /\ /\ /\ /\
That
turned my stomach a bit and reminded me of how it is to be a proud
moral atheist
over being an immoral cristian
It reminds me a little of the evangelical movement and its support of politicians that are anything but church-going moral people.
Sadly, as a retired pastor, I have to agree, John. But I also remember that when I helped plan a response to the coming of the KKK I had the support (by vote) of our official church board. Also, our church hosted an ecumenical worship service to kick off our community “Celebration of Unity” events that took place on the Marietta College campus at the same time the KKK was holding its rally on the county courthouse steps just two blocks away.
We need to guard against stereotyping of any kind.
Chilling. Excellent article. The power of a moderated exposure to facts is so evident here, both in breathtaking curation and honest writing. Alabama was not on my list of destinations, until now.
I managed to avoid Alabama and Mississippi for my first 67 years, but I'm glad I finally made it.
You really provide a truly horrific but frighteningly accurate written picture of the Museum. How many people just can't make it all the way through the exhibits....just too much when you start to understand how terrible the past in this country really is. The final sentence about what you saw as you came out of the museum....right there...a Trump sign. Really takes your breath away. Where are we now in this country, with this history, and just where are we heading? As somehow else pointed out, sort of amazing that this incredible museum is right there, IN the south. It probably needs to be repeatedly built in many states.
I went through the Anne Frank House/Museum in Amsterdam several years ago. Your experience in the Legacy Museum and what it invoked in you, sounds familiar to me. I have never forgotten the tragedy of her young life nor will I forget the tragedy of Emmett Till. This article is important and I appreciate that you shared it.