Glencoe Mansion, Museum & Gallery will open a new exhibit, "Slavery in Appalachia," with a panel discussion and opening reception on Friday, January 27.  The panel discussion will begin at 5:30 and the opening reception will begin at 6:45.

The Panel Discussion will take place at the City Council Chambers, adjacent to Glencoe Mansion. The panel consists of five historians and members of the community who have explored the history of slavery in the region and its effects. The panelists include Dr. Theresa Burriss; Sarah Carter; Howard Eaves, Sr; Dr. Michael Hickman; and Dr. Daniel Thorp.

Following the Panel Discussion will be the unveiling of the exhibit itself at Glencoe Mansion, accompanied by an opening reception. Both events are open to the public, and there is no admission charge. The exhibit will be on permanent display at the Glencoe Mansion. During the month of February, it will be on display on Level One (Gallery Level) of the museum.

The exhibit has been made possible through a grant from the Virginia Humanities.

The topic of slavery in Appalachia is a subject that is not well known. Many falsely believe that it did not exist in the mountains. However, from the earliest years of European settlement, slavery has been part of the fabric of the region. The New River Valley was no exception, especially as the number of enslaved people in the area grew tremendously in the decade leading up to the Civil War. The exhibit and panel discussion will explore the complicated history of slavery from its beginning until its abolition.