Addressing the Silences: SDARJ and John Dickinson Plantation Town Hall

Addressing the Silences: SDARJ and John Dickinson Partnership Update Town Hall

Listen to the stories of enslaved, free, and indentured Black people who lived, labored, and endured at the John Dickinson Plantation.

The Southern Delaware Alliance for Racial Justice (SDARJ) Community Partner and the John Dickinson Plantation (JDP) invite community members to attend Addressing the Silences: SDARJ and JDP Partnership Update, a public Town Hall focused on recovering, preserving, and sharing the stories of enslaved, free, and indentured Black individuals whose lives helped shape Delaware history. The Town Hall will take place on September 22, 2026, at 6:00 PM at the Lewes Public Library and will offer the public an opportunity to learn about the work, progress, and impact of this important partnership.

Built on the belief that history belongs to everyone, the partnership between SDARJ and JDP is dedicated to ensuring that the experiences of historically marginalized communities are acknowledged, preserved, and incorporated into the broader public narrative. Through community engagement, archival research, and collaborative storytelling, the partnership has worked to elevate voices that have too often been absent from traditional interpretations of Delaware’s past.

A central focus of the partnership has been participation in the Addressing the Silences initiative, which promotes more inclusive, accurate, and community-centered approaches to public history. Through the initiative, SDARJ and JDP created immersive audio narratives that bring to life the experiences of enslaved, free, and indentured Black individuals who lived and labored at the John Dickinson Plantation. Grounded in archival research and community contributions, these stories help ensure that historically marginalized voices are heard, respected, and integrated into a fuller understanding of Delaware’s past. Hearing these stories within the very locations where history unfolded helps visitors feel a deeper emotional connection, inspiring respect and empathy for those who lived and labored on the plantation.

During the Town Hall, representatives from both organizations will share these audio narratives and discuss how community partnerships and shared authority can help create a more truthful and inclusive public history. Attendees will also learn about the newly published Addressing the Silences Toolkit, a resource designed to support institutions, educators, community organizations, and historic sites in presenting history with greater accuracy, dignity, and inclusiveness.

The committee’s work extends beyond historical interpretation. It reflects a broader commitment to building trust, fostering dialogue, amplifying community voices, and ensuring that Delaware’s diverse histories are preserved for future generations. By bringing together community members, historians, advocates, and cultural institutions, the partnership demonstrates how collaborative efforts can strengthen public understanding of the past while creating a more informed and inclusive future.

Join us as we share progress, celebrate community collaboration, and continue the work of ensuring that those whose stories have been silenced are finally heard.