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A President's slaves and their descendants get their due

One of the most controversial aspects of Thomas Jefferson's life was his continued ownership of slaves as he helped found the US as a land of freedom. And one of the most controversial aspects of his slave ownership was the perpetual story of having sired children from Sally Hemings, one of his slaves. Today, the historic Jefferson home of Monticello is now fully embracing this part of Jefferson's role in history, incorporating not only the interpretation of slave life at the estate, but also fully recognizing Sally Heming's important position with regard to Jefferson's life and that of her children and their descendants.

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For decades they hid Jefferson’s relationship with her. Now Monticello is making room for Sally Hemings

By Krissah Thompson

The Washington Post

February 19, 2017

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