Tricia Johnson and Horace Scruggs of the Fluvanna Historical Society: The Words They Left Behind: Legacies of Bremo

November 2, 2023

Many of the people enslaved by John Hartwell Cocke of Bremo between1803 and 1865 could read and write. Separated from their families and community by forced migrations, they wrote letters back to Bremo. This exhibit features those letters, alongside artifacts connected to their lives.

The exhibit is the result of collaboration between descendants of the men, women, and children enslaved at Bremo, a descendant of John Hartwell Cocke, and The Fluvanna Historical Society. Central Virginia’s public history professionals contributed their knowledge, skills, and expertise to the project.

Horace and Tricia will also share information about ongoing efforts in two historic Black cemeteries in Fluvanna – Oak Hill and Free Hill.

Next Meeting:

  • The Ledger and the Chain with Joshua Rothman
    February 6, 2025 Join us on Zoom where Joshua D. Rothman will give CVHR a short presentation on The Ledger and The Chain, How Domestic Slave Traders Shaped America. He will then answer questions through the meeting’s moderators. An excellent overview presentation on the domestic slave trade by Dr. Rothman, Sold South, a Brief History

Questions?

If you have questions about CVHR, or would like to ask our members a research question, please send us an email using the link at the top of this page.