Jefferson and the future
Did You Know?
Did you know the Liberty Bell first went on public exhibit in 1852. At that time, the Bell was moved out of the Independence Hall tower storage room and down into the building’s first floor Assembly Room, the room where the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution were signed.
I'm glad that you enjoyed my presentation, Miles. I should clarify a few things, however. Although Thomas Jefferson did view slavery as something more-or-less forced upon him and other southerners (that's why, while in-character as Jefferson, I said so), we cannot ignore his own active participation in the institution. As the years passed after he wrote the Declaration, Jefferson ignored or avoided opportunities to fight against slavery. His story is complex, so he does not easily fit under the label of either "hero" or "villain". One other thing I'd like to clarify is that, while speaking in-character as Mr. Jefferson, I said that Jefferson hoped that one day all men would be "treated as they are created: equally." In other words, we are already created equally, but we do not yet treat one another as such. Good work so far, and have fun with the rest of your workshop! Sincerely, Steve Edenbo, portrayer of Thomas Jefferson www.yourthomasjefferson.com
I think you would also be surprised at how George Washington's attitudes about slavery developed and changed over time.
I like your positive outlook, Miles!