A West African drumming circle and an interpretation of abolitionist Frederick Douglass are new features to the annual "Days Gone By" program at Somerset Plantation from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 11. In addition to presenting the tasks of daily life, the day will include guided site tours, hands-on activities and lots of family fun.
Once one of the largest plantations in the upper South, Africans were imported from West Africa to raise rice, which along with corn, oats, wheat and flax were among the plantation's cash crops. Performances of a West African drumming circle led by Thomasi McDonald will link the site to the more than 850 individuals once enslaved there.
Poet and author Nathan M. Richardson is in year two of "The Frederick Douglass Speaking Tour," and will perform. He delivers a remarkable portrayal of the former slave and author, Douglass. Costumed interpreters will demonstrate rope making and candle dipping crafts. Braxton Overby will demonstrate heritage open hearth cooking. Visitors can participate in period games such as sack racing, other hands-on activities or try West African print making. Horse driven wagon rides will be available.
In addition to tours of the plantation homes and representative buildings, a Union Army hospital encampment with a demonstrator will be on the grounds. Blacksmith Nelson Edmondson will demonstrate that trade and wagon rides and arts and crafts activities will be available also. Artists and vendors are invited to rent a space to sell their wares or food items.
The special events fee for craft activities is $2 for children and $4 for adults, plus applicable taxes.
For additional information, please call (252) 797-4560. Somerset Place is located at 2572 Lake Shore Road, Creswell. It is administered by the Division of State Historic Sites in the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.