Discovery Elementary students in grade 4 journeyed on a history excavation to unearth the hidden history of enslaved people in Loudoun County. Over several months, the scholars worked alongside the Loudoun Freedom Center and moved forward with a pilot that began in 2020.
Discovering that several historical sites at Lansdowne on the Potomac, formerly the Coton Plantation, were unmarked and disregarded, the students visited the Coton Plantation on a field study trip, sponsored by the Loudoun Freedom Center. Following the trip, the students, equipped with newfound knowledge, tools and resources, spent three months immersing themselves in a thorough examination of documents, many of which were primary sources. Their deep dive led to the revelation of the hidden history of the enslaved at Coton Plantation. The students then shared their findings during a Capstone project Showcase, a testament to their empowerment through learning.
Encouraging her students to challenge historical facts and biases, 4th-grade teacher Katie Swanson shared, "Children are brave. Children are smart. And children are incredibly perceptive and empathetic when we create an environment where they are not just free but encouraged and empowered to question everything. Kids often have more courage than adults when it comes to asking the hard questions, like 'Why would anyone think that was okay?' and most importantly, 'What can I do to make things better, even if we can never make things right?'"
Thomas Ludwell Lee owned Coton Plantation and was among the county's largest enslavers. According to the 1800 census, Loudoun's enslaved population was 6,078 (28%) and 333 free Blacks (1.54%). "When I saw how much of Loudoun's history is "hidden," I thought we should do something about it," student James shared.
Pastor Michelle C. Thomas, founder of the Loudoun Freedom Center, has been researching the history of the enslaved at Coton Plantation for nearly a decade. She shared that “the story of the Coton Plantation is one of the founding stories of Loudoun County and the nation." She continued, "You can ban books, but you cannot ban primary source documents, such as wills, judgments, bills of sale and newspaper ads. One of the most important things we can do as historians is to get a fresh perspective on historical documents. I am grateful for the students' efforts to help document the truth of Loudoun’s shared history hidden in plain sight."
While fostering advanced literary skills for all students, students' culminating projects highlighted their curiosity and active experience in historical inquiry and analysis the way historians do. Their presentations showcased an understanding of weighing and evaluating opposing truths, considering intention and purpose, and drawing inferences. Students also took the time to document and share their end-of-project reflections.
Student Kriya explained, "History is everywhere and every story deserves to be told. History should be told so people know how to respect and remember cultures. History helps tell the whole story. You can't always be proud of it, but to hide it is even worse."
Similarly, student Aleena reflected, "I feel that we can make a really big difference in the world if we uncover history that not only Loudoun but many parts of America is hiding. We can show people history that can change lives and to be a better, safer, and equal place. If we continue to uncover these mysteries, it can change so many perspectives, and it might, just might, change some people's lives."
Showcase attendees and VIPs were encouraged to follow the mapped-out "freedom trail" in the Discovery library, read the student's projects, and dialogue with the young historians. A guest book was available for guests to share thoughts, connections and encouragement for the students.
Published June 20, 2024