FALL 2016 about Montpelier ’ s enslaved community and its descendants continues . The research — which is led by Montpelier Research Coordinator Elizabeth Ladner , Research Associate Lydia Neuroth , and Zann Nelson , director of the Montpelier Descendants ’ Project — has already yielded results , including possible documentary evidence supporting the narrative that George Gilmore began his life as a Montpelier slave .
Nelson recently tracked down two property tax records that were previously unknown to Montpelier .
“ We didn ’ t have any solid documentation that says George Gilmore was enslaved at Montpelier . But now we are starting to have a preponderance of evidence , because in two of the personal property tax records directly after Emancipation , 1868 and 1869 , he is living here ,” said Nelson . “ And the consensus among most researchers is that , close to Emancipation , a newly freed slave is likely living where he was enslaved .”
While Rebecca Gilmore Coleman is excited by finding a new clue in her family history , she ’ s even more excited about the far-reaching implications the project has for Montpelier ’ s efforts to tell the story of African American men and women .
“ It brings me great happiness to witness Montpelier ’ s commitment to research and interpret the inclusive story of America ’ s history of all its people ,” she said . “ The Descendants ’ Project , the reconstruction of the slave quarters on the South Yard and the wonderful new exhibit in the lower level of the House will enable us all to better understand how much African Americans contributed , endured and survived during the terrible years of enslavement .”
Above : Rebecca Gilmore Coleman , a leader in the Montpelier descendants community , stands with Research Associate Lydia Neuroth , Research Coordinator Elizabeth Ladner , and Zann Nelson , director of the Montpelier Oral History Project , at the slave cemetery at Montpelier .
11