Using Google to Map Slave Dwellings

Virginia Humanities Encyclopedia Virginia and African American Programs are using Google Maps to document slave dwellings across Virginia. Google released that film on June 19th in honor of Juneteenth, the day we celebrate the abolition of slavery in the United States. Here’s the announcement about the film from Google Earth Outreach:

In honor of Juneteenth, we’re sharing this story about a Google Earth Outreach project that highlights African American history. In today’s post, Justin Reid, Director of African American programs, and Peter Hedlund, Director of Encyclopedia Virginia—both of the state humanities council Virginia Humanities—talk about documenting slave dwellings using Google Street View.

In the Virginia state record, only 1% of documented historical sites are categorized as having any African American historical significance. It’s easy to visit historic sites from the era of slavery and forget the enslaved men, women and children who built and maintained these places. Using Street View, Virginia Humanities has been collecting panoramic imagery of slave dwellings across the state for everyone to see. They hope these images will add to a more inclusive history of Virginia and helps us remember that enslaved peoples were integral to our country’s founding.

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Wayne Creed

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