A crowd at Somerset Place watches a historical demonstration
Music, arts and crafts were just part of the fun for Cultural Resources Sec. Susan Kluttz and many local residents and tourists who came out for Somerset Place’s 2nd Saturdays program last Saturday. The program demonstrated the fusion of African and European cultures that could be found when Somerset was one of the largest plantations in the upper South.
Sec. Kluttz in front the of Collins House at Somerset Place with site manager Karen Hayes and Historic Sites Director Keith Hardison
The secretary watched as the exciting sounds of West African drumming were led by arts educator Braima Moiwai, while English country dances and songs were performed and taught by music historian Simon Spaulding. She also met several people who practice heritage crafts, including carpenter Thomas Killian, Jr., who is doing restoration work at Historic Halifax, and his son, noted potter Thomas Killian III. Since it was her first time at Somerset, Sec. Kluttz took a tour of entire site, including the plantation’s slave dwellings, smokehouse, laundry and hospital. She also received a behind-the-scenes tour of the Collins House, which is the main house on the property and is currently being restored. See more pictures of the secretary’s trip here.