Ancestral Spaces: People of African Descent at Tudor Place

Through November 30, Tudor Place will offer, Ancestral Spaces: People of African Descent at Tudor Place enhanced by a commemoration of the bicentennial of Lafayette’s grand tour of the US and visit to Tudor Place in 1824.

Curated in collaboration with descendants, this special installation and guided tour presents the multi-faceted individuals and families of African descent who lived and worked here. Tudor Place has been reimagined to show the historic house from the perspective of the enslaved and free individuals for whom it was both home and workplace. Using artifacts, maps, photographs and audio recordings, visitors will explore how these individuals found ways to practice resistance and activism while navigating the irreparable traumas that came from the institution of slavery. Explore the historic house through their lives, learn how they impacted the world around them and discover their enduring legacy. The stories of these advisors also play an important part in the tour.  To augment historical narratives, staff made use of a variety of new sources, including the archaeological dig of an enslaved home space that occurred onsite in May 2022. Learn what was uncovered at this dig in our blog post, click here.

“Gen. Lafayette” Jean-Marie Leroux, 1823-24, Steel engraving

This year also marks the bicentennial anniversary of Lafayette’s 13-month tour of the United States that took the Frenchman to all 24 states of the union and the federal city of Washington, where he spent much of the winter of 1824-1825. He was celebrated in each city and town, and the routes along the way, with processions, banquets and receptions, worship services, and visits to important sites—along with a flood of souvenirs that met the intense demand for a memento of the French hero. During this period, we refer to him simply as Lafayette. He was no longer commissioned in the Continental Army and he had renounced his title of nobility during the Reign of Terror (or thereabouts). During this whirlwind tour, he came to Tudor Place.  The first, on October 12 was the reunion with Martha Peter and and on the 14^th was a banquet. Visitors will learn how Lafayette’s visit carried themes of liberty and freedom called attention to how these conditions were not shared by all. Join us for upcoming Lafayette events.