Image
Description
This photograph shows a "whole black family" on the Hermitage Plantation in Savannah, Georgia around 1907. When slavery was legal, many enslaved people were separated from their families and other enslaved people on the plantation welcomed them as their own. Enslaved families taught children how to survive on the plantation, about their culture, customs and memories of Africa. Some enslaved people "married" and lived for generations on a plantation.
Source-Dependent Questions
- Look closely at the image and describe what you notice about the family in the photo.
- Since enslaved people were often separated from their biological families, other enslaved people on plantations would form family units and welcome in new members.
- Why was family so important to survival on a plantation?
- The older members of families would share culture, customs and memories of Africa with younger family members. Why would it be important for enslaved young people to learn about Africa and their culture?
Citation Information
"[The Whole black family at the Hermitage, Savannah, Ga.]," Detroit Publishing Co., ca. 1907. Courtesy of Library of Congress