This project was conducted as part of the CIS 650 (Applying Diversity Leadership Theories and Praxis) class during summer 2023 that involved assessing the web information (and more) provided by the Kingsley Plantation property of the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve located in Jacksonville, Florida with a focus on African American populations. On this page, I investigate the way the community reacts to the agency's diversity response.
1) System-Centric People:
There was a need for a revamped interpretive plan for how to tell more inclusive stories. This need was identified by park staff. The themes prior were:
* The interaction of cultures throughout the region, especially colonial French, Spanish, and British; European American; American Indian; African; and African American - had a profound impact on American history.
* People and events associated with Fort George Island represent a microcosm of the history of America.
* The lives of Zephaniah and Anna Kingsley illustrate Florida's transition from Spanish to United States governance and the differences under the two systems.
* Kingsley Plantation was an agricultural business that used the work of enslaved people to produce sea-island cotton and other crops
* Life of the enslaved people was tragic. Perseverance and strength of the human spirit to survive is demonstrated in their individual lives.
Now with the revamped interpretive plan for Kingsley Plantation, the themes are:
* At Kingsley Plantation we have the opportunity to learn about the complexity of enslavement, the diverse ways people survived trauma and preserved culture, and the legacy of oppression embedded in American society.
* Kingsley Plantation is the birthplace of archaeology focused on understanding the culture of enslaved persons to give voice to people who have long been silenced in America.
There is also a new document released by NPS about the enslaved community of Kingsley Plantation because of this need for more diverse stories.
2) User-centric People:
Many of our visitors leave comments in our guestbook relating to their overall experience. Many visitors say they enjoy our audio tour that is a narrative tour from the perspectives of the enslaved. Others comment on how the "story is sad but a beautiful place". Beyond writing down their comments in our guestbook, visitors verbally give commentary. I've been asked specific questions by Black youth about the enslaved peoples and their experiences. Many ask about the slave quarters, what was the youngest age that would be put to work, how I feel about working at a former plantation, or was Anna Kingsley a Black slave owner? The main focus for years at Kingsley Plantation was the story of Zephaniah and Anna Kingsley however, what Black youth are interested in knowing is the enslaved peoples and a curiosity about Anna Kingsley. They also find the slave quarters and Anna's Parlor/Kitchen House to be interesting because it gives them a glimpse into how life would be for the enslaved people.
3) Participant Research/Observations:
From my observations, I believe there are multiple resources for Black youth to access. Firstly, the Junior Ranger booklet we administer features diverse perspectives and nature oriented questions. For example, there is an American Beach Word Scramble that details segregation laws, the founding of American Beach, and the long term effects of American Beach. Another example is a "Who Am I?" description. The description states "I was born in Senegal, Africa. Zephaniah Kingsley purchased me when I was a teenager and then he married me. Unlike most slaves I became free. I had four children. I lived to see the end of the Civil War". This is related to the story of Anna Kingsley. Beyond the Junior Ranger booklet, our visitor center sells different books with varying topics. Some of these book sold discuss the institution of slavery, Juneteenth, enslaved persons experiences, Harriet Tubman, Civil Rights in America, and crafts related to African American history. The only room for improvement I could suggest is the inclusion of stories beyond slavery. Although there is a constraint on what books are placed in our visitor center, I believe our connection to the history of American Beach should be emphasized. One of the descendants of Anna and Zephaniah Kingsley was a major advocate for the preservation of American Beach. American Beach's history is complete with stories of celebration, recreational freedom, and community. The story of enslaved peoples is essential but its effects on history should be considered as well.
Resources:
National Park Service . (2022). Junior ranger 2022. NPS Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve. https://www.nps.gov/timu/learn/kidsyouth/upload/Junior-Ranger-2022-3.pdf
National Park Service. (2006, January). Kingsley Plantation Ethnohistorical Study. NPS History Electronic Library and Archives . http://npshistory.com/publications/timu/ethnohistorical-study-kingsley-plantation.pdf
National Park Service. (2014). Ranger Badge! - NPS history. NPS History Electronic Library and Archives . http://www.npshistory.com/publications/interpretation/junior-ranger/timu-kingsley-plantation-pre-7-2014.pdf
National Park Service. (2014). The Timucuan Preserve-Kingsley Plantation be a junior ranger! - NPS history. NPS Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve. http://npshistory.com/publications/interpretation/junior-ranger/timu-kingsley-plantation-8-up-2014.pdf
National Park Service. (2022, March). The enslaved communities of Fort George Island - NPS history. NPS History Electronic Library and Archives. http://npshistory.com/publications/timu/shs-fort-george-island.pdf