Matheson History Museum presents ‘Finding Unheard Voices of the Enslaved in Alachua County’ with Coleen DeGroff

Press release from the Matheson History Museum

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The Matheson History Museum welcomes author and historian Coleen DeGroff on Wednesday, September 9, at 7 p.m. to share about her research into the enslaved people that lived in Alachua County and the writing of her book Alachua County Black Book.

Attendees will learn how an unsuccessful effort to change the name of Haile Plantation led to the chance discovery of centuries-old legal records about people enslaved in Alachua County, as well as the people who enslaved them, through the end of the Civil War.

Using excerpts from ancient public documents, including bills of sale, wills, and mortgages, Alachua County Black Book traces the half-century of slavery in the county, giving a glimpse into the lives of hundreds of enslaved people who were brought here to labor on dozens of plantations before their names and stories disappear to time and memory.

Registration: https://mathesonmuseum.networkforgood.com/events/104447-finding-unheard-voices-of-the-enslaved-in-alachua-county

Coleen DeGroff

Coleen DeGroff is a writer, retired real estate agent, and accidental historian living in Gainesville, Florida. Coleen is a docent at the Historic Haile Homestead, a former Sea Island cotton plantation worked by 66 enslaved people. The home, built by dozens of enslaved craftsmen in 1856, is open for tours on weekends.

Recently appointed to the Alachua County Historical Commission, Coleen believes that we walk on history every day and it’s inherent upon us to share the stories of people who came before us before they are lost.

This program is sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville/Alachua County, FL and the City of Gainesville.