What It Means
Historians believe the location of Sally Hemings’ room in relation to Jefferson’s serves as further evidence of their relationship. The director of archaeology at Monticello, Fraser Neiman sated, “This room is a real connection to the past. We are uncovering and discovering and we’re finding many, many artifacts.”
What It Means
How Enslaved People Were Living
The director of restoration of Monticello, Gardiner Hallock, stated the discovery is important because it reveals how some enslaved people lived. It is likely some of Sally’s children were born in that very room. It is believed Sally returned from Paris because Jefferson promised her that her children would be free once they became adults. The Hemings were the only family of slaves that Jefferson freed.
How Enslaved People Were Living
