A House Built by Slaves: African American Visitors to the Lincoln White House

Join Christopher Newport University professor and author Jonathan White for the release of his latest book, “A House Built by Slaves: African American Visitors to the Lincoln White House.” Hear the remarkable story of the relationship that developed between Abraham Lincoln and the black community during the Civil War.

Prior to the Civil War, African Americans were almost entirely excluded from the White House, other than as servants or slaves. However, during the war, the racial color line was broken down as African Americans claimed the First Amendment right to petition the government. For the first time in the history of the United States, they saw the president as their president and the White House as their people’s house. Between 1862 and 1865 Lincoln welcomed hundreds of African Americans into his White House office and at public receptions.

The book is available in the museum gift shop $26, members receive a 10% discount. Not yet a member? Join today and save: www.hamptonhistorymuseum.org/membership.

To purchase a your copy of “A House Built by Slaves” by phone for pick up or to have it shipped, call 757-727-6824.

Image: Lincoln With The Contrabands, postcard, 1910, courtesy of the author

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