The Unseen Inheritance of Place

As individuals delve into their family histories, they often encounter long-buried secrets or hidden connections that challenge their understanding of who they are and where they come from. For Fred Miller and his family, a 19th-century Gothic Revival-style house in southern Virginia became a catalyst for revelations about their past.

Built by Sharswood plantation’s slave-owning uncle and nephew duo, the property has sat on its lush green roof for over a century and a half. The discovery of the Miller family’s enslaved ancestors’ presence there raises questions about how we approach inherited histories – in old houses or ancestral lands – and what responsibility comes with this knowledge.

When confronted with revelations like these, people often experience a mix of emotions: guilt, shame, curiosity, and disconnection from their past. Miller’s family was no exception; they had always known they lived in the South but were unaware of Sharswood’s infamous history until Fred purchased the property.

Karen Dixon-Rexroth, Miller’s sister, initiated research into online records and local histories with Karice Luck-Brimmer, a historian and genealogist. Their efforts led to the discovery that their ancestors had been enslaved on Sharswood. This knowledge came at a physical and emotional cost.

The ease of accessing historical records using modern technology is striking. Yet, despite this convenience, people often overlook or ignore signs from their past that tell uncomfortable stories they’d rather not hear. Miller’s case highlights this paradox: technology has made it easier to uncover dark secrets but also brings us closer to confronting truths we prefer to leave hidden.

The revelation of Sharswood’s slave cemetery had a profound impact on Fred Miller, leading him to establish a non-profit foundation dedicated to preserving the property and sharing its history with others. His efforts demonstrate that acknowledging and confronting these kinds of pasts can lead not only to healing but also to new paths forward.

As we consider this story, it raises questions about what happens next in our collective journey to understand and learn from our histories. Will stories like Sharswood become the norm for individuals seeking to connect with their family’s past? Or will they remain isolated cases of families trying to come to terms with hidden chapters?

The Miller family’s experience at Sharswood reminds us that our inheritance includes not just material possessions or titles but also the weight and richness of our collective past. As we move forward, it’s crucial to confront these narratives with empathy, curiosity, and a commitment to preserving them for future generations.

This journey into the past requires patience, courage, and an openness to confronting truths that can feel overwhelming. But in doing so, we might uncover pieces of ourselves we never knew existed – much like Fred Miller did when he discovered his family’s history at Sharswood.

The challenge now lies not only in uncovering these stories but also in how we choose to confront them and the responsibility that comes with carrying this knowledge forward.