Savannah – Weeping Time
Video Credit: MADLAWMEDIA
The Weeping Time is one of the largest slave auctions in American history. This event that happened in Savannah, GA in 1859 during Georgia’s history of enslavement. The enslaver, Pierce Butler, marched over 400 enslaved people/families to Savannah from Darien, Ga (McIntosh County) to be sold, separated and settle the debts of Butler. In this video, viewers will receive a brief history of the Weeping Time, its impact on the enslaved people.
Critical Reflection Questions & Activities
Pre Video Questions |
Nobis Big Ideas |
| What is something about your family that makes you feel loved and comforted? | History Relationships |
| What are some of your family’s traditions? | History Relationships |
| Is there economic value to cultural traditions? List some. | History Power Relationships Global Citizenship |
| What are debts? How do individuals accumulate debt? | Power |
| What is interdependence? Provide some examples. |
Power History |
Post Video Questions |
Nobis Big Ideas |
| What was the impact of this event on the families of enslaved people? | History |
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How did the economic interest impact:
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History |
| How would you share the story of the Weeping Time? | History Global Citizenship |
| How does this narrative influence (shift) your view of enslavement in America? | History |
| Why is it important that the story of the Weeping Time be told? | History Power Global Citizenship Cultural Responsiveness |
| What new information did you receive about this period of American history? | History |
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Why is this story important to:
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History Power |
| Are there historical events in your community? What impact do they have on you/the community today? | Relationships |
| How can you discover secondary stories in your community? | History Relationships Global Citizenship |
| How is The Weeping Time an example of interdependence? | Relationships Global Citizenship |
| What role did commerce play in The Weeping Time? | History Power |
| What does it mean to divide a family? | History Power Relationships |
Additional Resources
Commemorating the Weeping Time
Interview with Author Anne C. Bailey
Book: The Weeping Time: Memory and the Largest Slave Auction in American History by Anne C. Bailey
Journal of a Residence on a Georgian Plantation
On the Management of the Butler Estate
What Became of the Slaves on a Georgia Plantation