Following a controversial planned program exploring emancipation from a slave owner’s perspective that had been scheduled for the annual Juneteenth Holiday earlier this year, the historic Latta plantation home closed and has remained so since.
Mecklenburg County, which owns the property, opted not to renew its previous agreement with Historic Latta Place, Inc. (HLP), a private, non-profit organization. HLP had managed the Historic Latta site since its public opening in 1976.
Now, with goals of equity, inclusion and compassionate programming in mind, Park and Recreation staff are currently assessing potential partnerships and best practices for the reopening of the former plantation site as an interactive educational and historical experience.
To date, the Park and Recreation Department has initiated conversations with museum professionals, local historians and experts in the interpretation of African American experiences during the antebellum period. The project team is also consulting with scholars from around the country in order to ensure that the next steps are informed by current research.
But the reopening won’t take place before they get public feedback on a survey they’d like you to participate in and have had a chance to analyze the data.
For the uninitiated history buffs out there, the house was built around 1800 in what is generally referred to as a Federal style, but the structure also contains some elements of Georgian design, including the house’s main staircase.
Until this past spring, the house, surrounding grounds and nature preserve were popular destinations, with the house used as a history exhibit and museum exploring antebellum North Carolina life in the Piedmont region. While they had hosted a variety of events throughout the year, your input will influence how the site and programming potentially move forward. .
Mecklenburg County’s Park and Recreation Department launched the survey September 30. From now until October 22, the public can provide input on community values as programming and operations plans are being developed.
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