Historic Geneva is a history museum in the Finger Lakes region of New York State which focuses on the history of Geneva, NY, historic architecture, genealogy, and the area's industry and agriculture. The Society maintains four historic 19th century properties, an archive and library, a museum and runs programs and events related to the history of Geneva and the Finger Lakes area.
I am grateful for the historical work done here at Rose Hill. My family, the Gaytons, were enslaved in Virginia and brought north with Robert Selden Rose.
A small critique- please do not refer to us as “enslaved workers”, but rather, “enslaved” is enough. What happened to us was horrifying, but using the term “workers” makes it seem that we had agency or control and that it was a profession.
Otherwise, I sincerely appreciate everything that you have done!
Jerome – My family, the Kenneys, were also enslaved in Virginia and brought north with Robert Selden Rose.
Do you still have family in Geneva?
We apologize for missing your comment from September. We will take your critique and put it to use immediately as in May we are opening a season-long exhibit at Rose Hill on Slavery in the North.
I am highly interested in your connection to the Gayton family as I have researched a veteran, William C Gayton, for a cemetery tour in the past and could not find much information. Would the original spelling have been Gaten/Gaton? I would love to hear from you on your family’s history. Feel free to call me at 315-789-5151 or email archivist@historicgeneva.org.
Thank you for taking the time to comment, it is very much appreciated. – Becky Chapin, Archivist