http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19100886/
Slave passage found under Washington’s home
Hidden passageway was used by George Washington's nine slaves
By Rubina Madan {AP}
Updated: 6:32 p.m. ET June 7, 2007
PHILADELPHIA - Archaeologists unearthing the remains of George
Washington's presidential home have discovered a hidden passageway used
by his nine slaves, raising questions about whether the ruins should be
incorporated into a new exhibit at the site.
The underground passageway is just steps from the Liberty Bell and
Independence Hall. It was designed so Washington's guests would not see
slaves as they slipped in and out of the main house.
"As you enter the heaven of liberty, you literally have to cross the
hell of slavery," said Michael Coard, a Philadelphia attorney who leads
a group that worked to have slavery recognized at the site. "That's the
contrast, that's the contradiction, that's the hypocrisy. But that's
also the truth."
Washington lived and conducted presidential business at the house in the
1790s, when Philadelphia was the nation's capital.
Quandary for exhibit planners
The findings have created a quandary for National Park Service and city
officials planning an exhibit at the house. They are now trying to
decide whether to incorporate the remains into the exhibit or go forward
with plans to fill in the ruins and build an abstract display about life
in the house.
Making that decision will push back the building of the exhibit, which
had been slated to open in 2009. But the oversight committee won't rush
into construction, said Joyce Wilkerson, the mayor's chief of staff.
"We never thought we'd be faced with this kind of decision," she said.
"We would've been happy to have found a pipe! And so we don't want to
proceed blindly or say, 'This isn't in the plan.'"
Rep. Bob Brady, D-Pa., was so moved when he visited the site last week
that he declared: "We need to rethink what we're doing here."
"It's astounding, absolutely astounding," Brady said. "I'm going to
fight to keep it open, I'll tell you that much."
More discoveries than expected
Aside from the passageway, archaeologists have uncovered remnants of a
bow window, an architectural precursor to the White House's Oval Office,
and a large basement that was never noted in historic records.
"We actually found a lot more of the remains of the President's House
than anyone expected. Myself included," said Jed Levin, an archaeologist
with the National Park Service.
Thousands of visitors have been drawn to the ruins, standing on a small
wooden platform to gaze down at the house's brick and stone foundation.
The public response spurred officials to continue the excavation until
at least July 4; it began in March and had been scheduled to end last
month.
Archaeologists have served as guides, answering visitors' questions.
Cheryl LaRoche, a cultural heritage specialist, said she enjoys
educating people about how even a prominent statesman like Washington
could own slaves.
"We've been striving to present a balanced view of history that stands
apart from what's been taught in history books," LaRoche said.
Most of Washington’s slaves lived at his Mount Vernon estate in
Virginia. When Washington died in 1799, he had more than 300 slaves. In
his will, he arranged for them to be freed after the death of his wife.
Change of plans?
Before the ruins were unearthed, officials had planned an exhibit
without archaeological findings. The planned design included a framework
of the house, LED screens and other audiovisual elements explaining its
history, including stories of Washington's slaves.
The remains would crumble if left unprotected. If the design included
elevators, ramps or stairs to move visitors down into the newly dug
ruins, costs would increase significantly.
Coard said he is confident the oversight committee will find the best
way to tell the slaves' stories.
"Everybody's on board in terms of seriously considering incorporating
the architectural dig into the design," Coard said. "The question now
is: Is it doable? Nobody is saying, 'No, it shouldn't be done.'"
David Orr, an anthropology professor at Temple University, has visited
the site at least four times. He posted a note on the President's House
Web site urging officials to keep the ruins on display.
"It's just fantastic," Orr said. "I can't tell you enough how exciting
it is. For years and years and years I've been trying to promote that
kind of public archaeology."