Alexandria Museum Tells Story of Slave Trade

In another yard, the company kept 30 to 40 women of about the same age as the men. Andrews wrote that "the women, in general, looked happy, but I observed a few who seemed to have been weeping." He added that the enslaved "are often chained at night, while at the depot at Alexandria, lest they should overpower their masters."

After a guide showed Andrews around the compound, he met with Armfield, who had just bought a slave. "Here I was once again treated with great politeness, and refreshments of various kinds were offered to me," Andrews wrote.

Franklin and Armfield left the business in 1841. But slave trading continued on the site under various owners until 1861, when Union troops entered Alexandria. In 1996, after decades during which the building was used mostly as rental housing, the Urban League moved in.

Freedom House Museum focuses not only on the infinite tragedies of slavery, but also on the victories. One display tells the story of the Rev. Lewis Henry Bailey, who was sold through the Duke Street building. After emancipation, he returned to Alexandria and set up churches in the region, some of which remain open.

"You want to give people hope," Chatman said. "That's why we end with this wall of quotes." The quotes are from African Americans such as Frederick Douglass, Maya Angelou and Booker T. Washington.

The museum opened after two years of fundraising and a year of designing. About 150 people attended last week's dedication, more than twice the number expected.

Mayor William D. Euille (D), who calls himself a "lifetime member" of the Urban League chapter's board, said he was elated by the event.

The museum "certainly creates, despite the history behind it, a sense of pride that's now been uncovered and that will enable us to, particularly people of color, to have a higher appreciation for where we came from," he said. "This is a history-making endeavor."

The museum has gotten tour requests from schools and community groups.

"Anybody that comes to Alexandria, we want this to be a stop," Chatman said. "A must-see and a must-feel, because you're in this place."

Self-guided tours are available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays. Weekend and guided tours are available by appointment. Visithttp://freedomhousemuseum.orgfor information. Admission is free.