When the Virginia colony was founded in 1607, the majority of unfree laborers in the colony were indentured servants. The second class of unfree labor consisted of slaves.
From the beginning, both forms of unfree labor coexisted in Virginia. However, by the end of the 1670s, black slaves began to replace both white indentured servants and Indian slaves as Virginians’ primary source of labor. This discussion-based seminar will focus on several primary sources that tell the story of labor in colonial Virginia.

This program will be conducted as a Socratic discussion, utilizing primary source documents as the only readings, and with Dr. Cara Rogers facilitating the conversation, instead of lecturing or presenting. Registrants, therefore, are highly encouraged to read all the documents in advance and come ready with questions. Teachers will receive a Letter of Attendance at the conclusion of the seminar.