Artist Unveils Powerful Work at Victoria Mansion Addressing Slave History

In a significant artistic contribution, New Orleans artist Carl Joe Williams unveiled a painting at Portland’s Victoria Mansion that addresses the slave-owning history of the Morse family, who built the historic home. The work, titled “Foundation for the Present, Paid in the Past,” will be on permanent display and seeks to illuminate the lives of those enslaved by the family.

The Victoria Mansion, constructed between 1858 and 1860, served as a summer retreat for the Morse family and has been a museum since 1941. While the mansion showcases its opulent architecture—complete with stained glass and intricately designed interiors—its connection to slavery has often been overlooked. Recently, staff and docents began to delve deeper into this history, revealing how Ruggles Morse, a prominent hotelier in New Orleans, utilized slave labor to build his wealth.

Research and Reflection on Enslaved Lives

During the pandemic, staff at the mansion took the opportunity to research the lives of enslaved individuals who contributed to the family’s success. They discovered that the Morse family participated in slave auctions and relied on enslaved individuals to maintain their luxurious lifestyle. This research culminated in the launch of the Unwilling Architects Initiative in 2021, aimed at uncovering the stories of at least 27 enslaved individuals connected to the mansion.

According to Timothy Brosnihan, Executive Director of the Victoria Mansion, “This is about people and telling their stories, but the information is fragmentary.” The only known visual representation of an enslaved person tied to the mansion is a small portrait of David Wilson, an emancipated individual who became a civic leader and advocate for public education for Black children in Louisiana.

The ongoing research effort has revealed several historical documents, including an advertisement placed by Morse in the Daily Picayune in 1859, offering a reward for an escaped waiter. The lack of information about the fate of individuals like this waiter emphasizes the gaps in historical records.

Bridging the Past and Present through Art

The mansion commissioned Williams to create the artwork as part of a grant received from Coffee By Design’s Rebel Blend Fund. Jordia Benjamin, Executive Director of Indigo Arts Alliance, highlighted the role of contemporary art in connecting historical narratives to the present. She stated, “Artists are leaders in that area and have the gift of being able to visualize and provide a path to those futures.”

Williams, who cited his own deep roots in Louisiana, drew inspiration from the mansion’s research. His painting vibrantly contrasts with the sepia tones of historical records. The central focus is the Arcade Hotel, where enslaved labor was utilized, surrounded by the faces of potential workers who may have been forced to toil there.

“In my work, I tend to honor ancestors,” Williams remarked, acknowledging the connections between historical figures and his own lineage. The artwork is set to enhance the visitor experience at the mansion, serving as a visual reminder of the complex history surrounding the property.

As the Victoria Mansion continues its commitment to exploring this history, staff members are working to integrate the initiative into their ongoing operations. The museum has plans to update exhibits and collaborate with researchers in New Orleans to further enrich the narrative.

Visitors to the mansion will soon have the opportunity to engage with Williams’ painting, which transforms historical figures like David Wilson into vibrant representations, moving beyond mere archival reproductions. This initiative not only honors the past but also invites ongoing dialogue about the legacies of slavery in American history.