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PORT GIBSON – The Mississippi Department of Archives and History (MDAH) will host a community engagement program titled “The Untold Stories of Enslavement at Windsor” at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 3, at the Mississippi Cultural Crossroads building in Port Gibson. This program is funded by a grant from the Mississippi Humanities Council, with support from the National Endowment for the Humanities.

 

The featured speaker, Hasan Kwame Jeffries, an associate professor of history at The Ohio State University, will explore the historical context of the 19th-century cotton boom that led to the establishment of the Windsor plantation. Jeffries will also address the challenges of uncovering and presenting the narratives of enslaved individuals in historical interpretations of sites like Windsor.

 

In addition, MDAH staff will share findings from recent research that bring to light the stories of those enslaved at Windsor. Using a combination of wills, census data, military and banking records, and oral histories, researchers have uncovered details that add depth and humanity to these once-overlooked lives.

 

“We know Windsor Ruins as an iconic Mississippi site that draws people in,” said Katie Blount, director of MDAH. “This program will shed light on the lives of the enslaved people who lived and labored there, honoring their contributions to Mississippi’s culture and history.”

 

Windsor Ruins, one of Mississippi’s most renowned historic landmarks, was originally constructed as the Windsor plantation for Smith Coffee Daniell II in 1861 and was later destroyed by fire in 1890. Today, 23 full columns and five partial columns remain standing, marking the site’s historical significance. In 2024, MDAH completed a stabilization project at Windsor Ruins, which included adding parking and an ADA-accessible walking trail that allows visitors to view the remains of the former mansion. The site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and holds Mississippi Landmark status.

 

Founded in 1902, MDAH is dedicated to preserving and sharing Mississippi’s rich history through its five divisions: Administration, Archives and Records Services, Historic Preservation, Programs and Communication, and Museum. The department currently oversees 11 historic sites and projects statewide.

 

The program will take place at Mississippi Cultural Crossroads, located at 507 Market Street in Port Gibson. No registration is required to attend. 

 

For more information, contact MDAH at 601-576-6850 or email info@mdah.ms.gov.