“The whole commerce between master and slave is a perpetual exercise of the most boisterous passions, the most unremitting despotism on the one part, and degrading submissions on the other. ”

― Thomas Jefferson, Notes on the State of Virginia: Query 18, 1784

The man who wrote these words enslaved over six hundred individuals over the course of his life.  Join us as we discuss the most perplexing aspect of Jefferson: how the author of the Declaration of Independence could actively participate in the American system of race-based chattel slavery.

Teaching American History’s online seminars occur monthly on select Saturdays from 10:45am-12pm ET.  A reading packet containing excerpts for discussion, a pre-seminar discussion board, a link to the seminar recording and relevant primary sources will be made available to registrants.

For professional development purposes, attendees will receive acknowledgement of their digital presence.  So—grab your biggest coffee mug, put your feet up and join us for a stimulating conversation between friends!