Searching for Truth in the Garden
Gonzaga High School's groundbreaking research on slavery delves into the life of Gabriel, a teenager enslaved at Washington Seminary (now Gonzaga) in 1829. The traveling exhibit, "Searching for Truth in the Garden," was on view at the Freedom House Museum through April 15, 2024.
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 and then at Freedom House, sparked crucial conversations about race and historical reckoning.
Gabriel's story offers a poignant lens through which to examine the complexities of slavery and its lasting impact.
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.
Learn more about the project and view the panels on Gonzaga High School's website. This site and that of The Georgetown University’s 272 Memory Project provide valuable context and insights into the origins and inspirations behind Gonzaga High School's research project.