For Immediate Release: December 27, 2023

Gonzaga High School's groundbreaking research on slavery, "Searching for Truth in the Garden," finds new life at the Freedom House Museum. This traveling exhibition, on view through April 15, 2024, delves into the life of Gabriel, a teenager enslaved at Washington Seminary (now Gonzaga) in 1829. Gabriel's story offers a poignant lens through which to examine the complexities of slavery and its lasting impact.

Inspired by a visit from Georgetown's Adam Rothman, seven Gonzaga students unearthed this hidden history during summers 2017-18. Their research, originally showcased at Gonzaga and Ford's Theatre, now finds a fitting home at the Freedom House, sparking crucial conversations about race and historical reckoning. Audrey Davis, Director of the City’s African American History Division, applauds the students' work: "Their work shows how students can be inspired to go beyond textbooks to take a deeper dive into our history and bring to light the untold stories of the American historical narrative. With Gabriel, we learn about the horrors of the domestic slave trade, and tragic life of one enslaved 13-year-old boy.”

This collaboration transcends mere exhibition; it represents an outstretched hand from Gonzaga, inviting the community to embark on a shared journey of understanding and reckoning with a pivotal chapter in American history. By engaging with Gabriel's story, we can learn from the past, confront the present, and build a more equitable future. Visitors to the exhibit at the Freedom House Museum are encouraged to explore additional resources to enhance their understanding of this historical narrative. Two essential links, gonzaga.org/about/history/slavery-research-project and gu272.americanancestors.org/, provide valuable context and insights into the origins and inspirations behind Gonzaga High School's research project, influenced by The Georgetown University’s 272 Memory Project.

For reasonable accommodation or an alternative format, e-mail historicalexandria@alexandriava.gov, or call 703.746.4554, or Virginia Relay 711.