'my Jefferson Isn't Their Jefferson'

BY MICHAEL AUBRECHT

FOR THE FREE LANCE-STAR

TO THIS DAY, race relations in our country remains one of the most controversial issues with regard to historical interpretation. American historians, in particular, have a unique challenge because so many of our country's most revered figures, including some of our nation's Founding Fathers, were either neutral on the issue of slavery or were practicing slaveholders themselves.

Adding to this dilemma is the fact that some of Virginia's wealthiest planters were indeed troubled by the practice, despite the fact that their fortunes had been acquired and maintained on the backs of forced labor. We know these inner conflicts existed, because many of their personal writings exhibit a distinct moral conflict that plagued their consciences. Perhaps no one's legacy is as perplexing, regarding the institution of slavery, than that of one of our state's most celebrated sons, Thomas Jefferson.

As my own research advanced deeper into the life of Monticello's master, I found myself becoming acutely aware of the stark differences between how one may interpret the lives of our nation's notable figures, and the interpretations of others. Specifically, I discovered a completely different point of view among my African-American and biracial colleagues.

It seems that "my Jefferson" isn't at all like "their Jefferson," and my experience when visiting his magnificent estate is also very different from their experience. I don't believe that this is due to any insensitivity on my part, because I don't approve of any form of racial inequality. However, I do believe that it's because, as a white man, I don't take the institution of slavery personally. My ancestors were never victims of this injustice. Therefore, when I examine the issue, I tend to examine it from a distance.

Admittedly, growing up in western Pennsylvania, my exposure to black history was extremely limited in my youth. In fact, it was only after I became a historian that I realized the gap that existed in my own interpretations of America. It was only when I began discussing Virginia's history with colleagues of a different skin color that I began to confront my own ignorance regarding the subject of another's heritage.

This is why Black History Month has become such an important event to me, not only as a historian, but more importantly as an American.

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