Moving beyond ‘fragment of stories’ and ‘segregated narratives’: descendants’ perspectives at Arlington House, a former plantation

Arlington House, the Robert E. Lee Memorial (Confederate general in the American Civil War), is a former plantation site located in Washington, DC, USA. The National Park Service (NPS) has managed this site since 1933. Arlington House is a cultural and historical heritage site that has a layered and complex history. Onsite interpretation at Arlington House (e.g. information placards, ranger interactions) has shifted recently from interpreting solely the story of Lee to also relating the lives of the formerly enslaved peoples. We conducted focus groups to understand how descendants of the enslaved Africans have received this shift. Though fuller interpretation has been added, many descendants felt it lacks detail in comparison with Lee’s exhibits. Specifically, we synthesized insights from the descendants about the lack of a cohesive, comprehensive narrative; the need to challenge the enslaver’s narrative; and specific areas for the NPS to reconsider their efforts. This relates to larger conversations about cultural heritage plantation sites and the evolution of interpretation at such sites. By incorporating insights from those with direct ties to heritage plantations, managers could ensure a more representative and complete place narrative that incorporates the values of descendants to increase visitor relevance.