Botetourt County Historical Society, Inc. is introducing “Unspoken Names,” an interactive display designed to commemorate the lives of those who were enslaved in the county’s past. The display, now on view at 26 East Main Street in Fincastle, invites visitors to engage in a powerful act of remembrance.
At the center of the display are two containers: the Unspoken container, which holds slips of paper bearing the names of enslaved individuals, and the Remembered container. Visitors are encouraged to draw a name from the Unspoken container, read it aloud, and place it into the Remembered container – symbolizing the transition from historical obscurity to recognition.
This activity was inspired by The American Civil War Museum in Appomattox. They have a similar display in their foyer upon entrance into the museum and the experience was so profound that it only seemed right to recognize those that have been overlooked in Botetourt’s history as well.
The names included here were taken from References to “Slave”/” Negro”/” Free” in Court Order, Common Law, Chancery, and County Court Order Books of Botetourt County: 1801 Through 1880 Chronological Listings, compiled by Robert Harshbarger, a recent Historic Greenfield Advisory Council publication, and other primary source documents.
The Botetourt County Historical Society remains committed to preserving and sharing the full history of the region, including the often-overlooked contributions and struggles of enslaved individuals. “Unspoken Names” serves as an opportunity for the community to reflect, learn, and engage in a collective act of remembrance.
The museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10-2 and on Sundays from 2-4.
~ Botetourt County Historical Society
