By Way of the Back Door

By Way of the Back Door is a living history program that interprets the way of life for the enslaved community who endured on the Bratton Plantation and their journey to freedom.

Each Saturday in February, Historic Brattonsville offers a unique focus on African American history and culture. The timeline flows from the American Revolution to the Reconstruction Era and depicts the unexampled life in the Carolina Piedmont. Descendants of Brattonsville will be on site each Saturday in February to share their stories.

“By Way of the Back Door” itinerary:

Feb. 1 -- By Way of the Back Door: 18th Century Daily Life. Discover how people of African descent in the Carolina Piedmont were involved in the American Revolution. On-going activities include 18^th-century military interpretation, natural dyeing techniques for textiles, writing with quill pens and ink. Guided tours of Historic Brattonsville’s American Revolutionary battlefield at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. focus on the enslaved peoples’ roles in the war.

Feb. 8 -- By Way of the Back Door: "From Can to Can't"--Labor of the Enslaved. The trades and skills of enslaved people in the 18th and 19th centuries are the focus of this living history Saturday. On-going activities include preparation and hand-sewing techniques for dressmaking, weaving textiles on a barn loom, and practices of medical care. Guided tours at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. highlight trades and skills.

Feb. 15 -- By Way of the Back Door: 19th Century Daily Life. Living history interpreters focus on the daily lives of people enslaved on the Bratton Family’s 19th century cotton plantation. On-going activities include historical cookery for the enslaved and planter class families and a look at clothing and haircare of the time. Guided tours at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. present agricultural practices with a running of the historic cotton gin at 12:30 and 3:30 p.m.

Feb. 22 -- By Way of the Back Door: Arts and Cultural Contributions. This living history Saturday centers on the arts and cultural contributions of people of African descent, both enslaved and free, in the 18th and 19th centuries. On-going activities highlight historical toys and games and African foodways such as barbeque along with traditional side dishes. Meet Gullah sweetgrass basket weaver Deadra Johnson; her uniquely South Carolina, one-of-a-kind works will be available for purchase. Guided tours at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.