Slave Dwelling Preservation
History is more than dates and names, it’s the lived experiences of those who came before us. At the Griffin-Spalding Historical Society, we are committed to telling the full story, even when it is difficult. In partnership with The Slave Dwelling Project and UGA Griffin, we raised funds to preserve Sophie's Cabin at the Bailey Tebault House in April of 2024, a rare surviving dwelling of enslaved people. This is not just about saving a building, it’s about keeping their story alive.
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Why It Matters
Mrs. Bailey lived until 1897. Even after the end of slavery, Aunt Sophie (first image on the left) who had been with Mrs. Bailey for most of her life, remained in the cottage behind the house. Structures like Sophie's Cabin are among the few remaining physical witnesses to the lives of enslaved African Americans in our community. Too often, these places vanish quietly, taking with them the chance to honor those who endured unimaginable hardship while contributing immeasurably to our shared history. Preserving these spaces ensures future generations can stand where history happened, see its traces, and understand its impact. By keeping these stories visible, we affirm the humanity, resilience, and cultural legacy of the people who lived there, and we challenge ourselves to engage in honest, unflinching conversations about our past.
More about the Slave Dwelling Project
The Slave Dwelling Project, founded by Joseph McGill, Jr. (Civil War reenactor, TED Talk presenter, former Executive Director of the African American Museum in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and the Penn Center in Charleston, SC, and History Consultant for Magnolia Plantation) works to ensure that slave dwellings and other structures significant to African American history are preserved and interpreted with truth and respect. Through raising awareness, bringing together historians, preservationists, educators, artists, organizations, and the public, the project seeks to change the narrative of American history, address the legacies of slavery, and promote education about the contributions of African Americans. Their work includes supporting efforts to mark and protect sites related to slavery, encouraging open dialogue about race and racial equity, and engaging the public through overnight stays, living history programs, presentations, and conferences—all grounded in researched history and guided by a commitment to uplifting the voices of the enslaved.
