While not much is known about the specific furniture owned and used in the South Yard at Montpelier, research into the few documentary resources we have has helped to create as accurate a representation of the space as possible. 

The furniture in the South Yard dwellings was reproduced based on a combination of archaeological evidence and other documented slave quarters in Virginia. Archaeology provides clues to what someone had in their home, such as chests of drawers and “trunks,” but not all things leave behind their evidence.

Much has been written about the food prepared and consumed by enslaved African Americans. From what was provided by the plantation owners, to what was grown or hunted by the individual; from how it was cooked to the social events surrounding eating.

In general, plantation owners provided some food for their enslaved workers—often pork, corn meal, and portions of whatever crop flourished on that plantation. While the plantation owners may have considered the rations sufficient for feeding their workforce, many of the enslaved people did not.

As an enslaved person living in the South Yard at Montpelier some of your personal tools-like a broom, tub, or basket- would have been used to support your family’s daily needs as well as the demands of your owners. Others, like a hunting gun, fishing pole, pots, or clothing fabric, would have been yours, alone. 

Prints, illustrations, and ads are great assets when researching. They provide visual examples of how people lived, what they bought, and how it was used. Oral histories and interviews with the people who experienced past events are invaluable and can help to make something from the past feel much closer to home. Learn more about the interviews conducted with the Works Progress Administration and the images found that helped to shape the South Yard Dwellings at Montpelier. 

While research into sites like Montpelier can tell us what may have been in enslaved domestic quarters, the archaeological record tells us exactly what was being used here at Montpelier.

From sherds of ceramics, to bits of a writing slate, to beads and bones, what is uncovered by our Archaeology Department  helps create a more detailed story of what life was like for those enslaved at Montpelier.

Like the buildings they lived and worked in, we do not know everything about the 300 people who were enslaved at Montpelier. As slaves, they were viewed by those who held the power and made the records, as property, not equals. However, we do know some things about a few. The Taylors and Stewarts were two married couples who were likely born at Montpelier and served the Madison family until the death of Dolley’s son, John Payne Todd. The two furnished dwellings in the South Yard have been interpreted to represent their living spaces, with each containing elements of the family’s positions at Montpelier. 

Ceramics such as transferware were available to those who could purchase it- including the enslaved. While forced to carry out the demands of their owners, slaves could have the opportunity to make very little money for themselves doing other jobs, when possible. Produced in varying quality, transferware could be found for sale at different price points and were sold at markets. Whereas the wealthy would obtain exquisite, whole sets from a single source, members of the enslaved community could find pieces at local markets.