Belle Grove Plantation to Host Program on Enslaved Cook Judah's Life
Belle Grove Plantation in Middletown, Virginia, will host a program on August 23 focusing on the life of Judah, an enslaved woman who served as a cook for the Hite family. The event, titled 'Kneading in Silence: A Glimpse into the Life of the Enslaved Cook Judah,' will take place from 3:15 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. in the winter kitchen of the Belle Grove Manor House. Led by Belle Grove docent Scott Terndrup, the presentation will utilize primary source documents to provide insights into Judah's life and her family's experiences while enslaved at the plantation. The program is free to attend, though donations are appreciated. Visitors interested in a Manor House tour following the presentation must pay regular admission. This program has been offered since 2016 and inspired the historical novel 'Send Judah First: The Erased Life of an Enslaved Soul' by Dr. Brian C. Johnson.