News Release

Central High School NHS welcomes Joseph McGill, Jr.

Joseph McGill, Jr.

Joseph McGill, Jr.

News Release Date: August 28, 2024

Contact: Brian Schwieger, 501-374-1957

The National Park Service and Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site are pleased to announce the next event in the National Park Service (NPS) Speaker Series: a conversation with Joseph McGill, Jr.

McGill, founder of the Slave Dwelling Project and a history consultant for Magnolia Plantation in Charleston, SC, will present "A Conversation on the Social History of Our Built Environment"  on Saturday, September 14, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. CST.

For the past 14 years, McGill has been raising awareness about the preservation and interpretation of slave dwellings across the U.S. by spending nights in these historically significant, yet often overlooked, structures. Alongside journalist Herb Frazier, McGill co-authored Sleeping with the Ancestors: How I Followed the Footprints of Slavery. This discussion will explore their research, the importance of confronting difficult histories, ensuring inclusive narratives, and engaging communities in the preservation of historic sites.

Through the Slave Dwelling Project, McGill has organized over 250 overnight stays in slave dwellings across 19 states and Washington, D.C. He engages with descendants of both enslaved communities and enslavers and speaks to a wide range of audiences, including students and community groups. In addition, McGill founded Company "I" 54th Massachusetts Reenactment Regiment and participates in Civil War reenactments. His previous roles include work with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, serving as Executive Director of the African American Museum in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and directing History and Culture at Penn Center, SC. McGill is also a former NPS Park Ranger at Fort Sumter National Historical Park and holds a B.A. in Professional English from South Carolina State University. He is a U.S. Air Force veteran.

The National Park Service Speaker Series is an initiative aimed at fostering awareness and dialogue on critical issues of equality, justice, and human rights. Featuring a diverse lineup of esteemed speakers, the series provides a platform for learning through powerful stories and historical insights. Attendees will engage in thought-provoking conversations on civil rights challenges, both historical and contemporary, highlighting the ongoing struggle for social justice and the importance of collective action.

All programs in the National Park Service Speaker Series are free and open to the public. All events will be held at the Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site Visitor Center, located at 2120 W. Daisy L. Gatson Bates Drive, unless otherwise specified. Additional programs will be announced later.