The Petersburg Museums to Host Traveling Exhibition on Domestic Service
"From Morning to Night" Reveals Hidden History of Gilded Age South
Now Through March 14, 2010

Popular notions of "upstairs-downstairs" relationships bring to mind grand estates where a small army of bustling, uniformed staff catered to the lavish lifestyles of American "robber barons" or the British gentry. A new traveling exhibition, opening on Saturday, October 17,2009, will be on display until Saturday, March 14,2010, at Centre Hill Mansion, 1 Centre Ave., Petersburg, Virginia.

The exhibition offers a different view of these popular notions. Developed by Maymont Foundation, this 14-panel exhibition presents a distinctly southern perspective on domestic service at the turn of the twentieth century.

"From Morning to Night: Domestic Service in the Gilded Age South" tells the story of a predominantly African American labor corps-barely a generation removed from slavery-that worked primarily in white households as cooks, maids, laundresses, nursemaids, butlers, and chauffeurs. Often hidden from view, and largely hidden from history, their labor made their employers' lifestyles appear effortless. With nearly 70 photographs and illustrations, interpretive text, and numerous period quotations, the exhibition reveals the daily rhythms of service as well as its broader context in the turbulent Jim Crow South. The exhibition's focus on everyday interactions between black and white southerners gives visitors an intimate view of this pivotal period in American history.

For black southerners, the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries were anything but gilded. Slavery had ended, but subordination continued through social custom and increasing violence. A series of Jim Crow laws blocked the black vote and enforced strict racial segregation. African Americans, with limited education and employment opportunity, were compelled to take low-paying jobs in agriculture, some industries, and domestic service. African American women, who were excluded from most other occupations, dominated domestic service in the South, comprising 90% of the work
force. "From Morning to Night" takes you into the horne as workplace to examine the divergent perspectives of both server and served. For employers, domestic servants were a visible sign of the family's social and economic status. Performing ceremonial tasks such as waiting at table and announcing visitors were an important part of this display. And of course, domestic servants met the more practical need of easing the burden of housekeeping. Without plumbing, electricity, prepared foods, and other modern conveniences, routine chores were unending and tedious. Even families of modest income often scraped together enough money to hire someone to assist in the horne.

Those who made their living "in service"- whether as a maid of all work or as part of a specialized staff-faced long hours, low pay, and hard work. Domestic workers often 'struggled to balance employers' expectations of long days or live-in service with the needs of their own families. Although their profession required deference, drudgery, and even invisibility, domestic workers strove to maintain dignity and self respect. Many took great pride in their work. Their modest wages helped raise families, support churches, and build vital communities.

Starting in October, museum hours are Tuesday through Saturday, lOam - 5 pm and Sunday, ] pm - 5 pm. Starting on January Sth, Tuesday's hours will be 1 pm - 5 pm. The exhibition is included in the admission fee. Guided tours of Centre Hill are offered every hour on the half hour during the Museum's opening hours.

Additional information on this exhibition is available by calling Centre Hill Mansion at:
(804) 733-2401
petgcurator@earthlink.net