In an AAGS beginner class, it was mentioned that a researcher should try to join local genealogical societies and/or organizations. As a member, one is offered many opportunities to obtain valuable information and develop valuable contacts.
While in Charleston, South Carolina in 1999, I decided to investigate the plantations in that area. I had read the novel, Slave in the Family by Edward Ball and knew that Charlestown was a main port of entry for the slave trade. On the tour, I was impressed with all the information disseminated around the slave population of the Drayton Hall plantation and their contributions to this plantation. Drayton Hall is the only Ashley River plantation house to survive the Civil War intact. The home itself had remained in the Drayton family until it was turned over to the National Trust and Historic Foundation. The plantation was built between 1738 and 1743 by John Drayton who purchased land adjacent to his father's plantation, Magnolia (John wanted to outdo his father).
As a member, I am regularly informed through its newsletter of the progress being made to educate the residents of the Charleston area about the history of early America, which includes the contribution of slaves. They offer field trips for students, often inviting relative speakers to participate in seminars. There have been speakers from Sierra Leone who express a kinship to the many Africans' experiences. Recently, African-American craftsmen (i.e., blacksmiths and skilled ironworkers) have offered seminars and workshops to share this artistry to whoever is interested. These workshops imply that the beautifully crafted iron rails that line the Drayton Hall steps and the stunning iron gate at the basement entrance were crafted by slave labor.
The Friends of Drayton Hall's newsletter, Interiors, devoted an article to the history of one particular slave mentioned in estate records. It chronicles his life from purchase, to discipline administered, to loaning him out to other plantations and, finally, his death. One researcher published a list of the plantation slaves. To read any of the newsletter articles, visit the web site, www.draytonhall.org, and go to the Interiors Newsletter archive.
If you are researching in South Carolina, I strongly advise you to explore this national monument and urge you to join organizations such as this to help preserve the history of our country. The African-American is a vital part of it, and it seems some of these organizations are promoting the real history of those times.