I was excited. Alan Huffman was there, along with descendants of the Rosses, the Wades and the slaves, some of whom were recent refugees from the conflict in Liberia. They had driven down from Washington, D.C., to attend this gathering. Alan had traveled to Liberia when writing his book, a risk I would have been too cowardly to take. I could only imagine what this meeting meant for him.

We heard stories about the plantation from Jessica, Alan, local historian Ann Brown and James Belton, a descendant of the slaves who lives in McComb, Mississippi, who told us stories that had been passed down to him through the generations. It was an amazing experience.

We shared a meal together—all these many years later—descendants of master and slave. We told stories and asked questions and crossed the barriers of time and place and culture. It was a good day, and I trust that good things will come of it, not the least of which are the future prospects of a house with a story in Jefferson County, Mississippi.

Details. Details. Details.

To date, the conservancy has one individual who is seriously interested in purchasing the property. Those who want more information or who wish to help with the stabilization efforts can send contributions to or contact The Archaeological Conservancy’s Southeast Regional Office, P.O. Box 270, Marks, MS 38643, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit the organization’s website at americanarchaeology.org.

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