Smithsonian to host exhibit on Jefferson, slavery

Smithsonian to host exhibit on Jefferson, slavery

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture is planning an exhibit with Thomas Jefferson's Monticello to explore the third president's history with slavery. Museum officials say "Jefferson and Slavery at Monticello: Paradox of Liberty" will tackle the sensitive subject of slavery during the American Revolution. Jefferson called slavery an "abominable crime" but was a lifelong slaveholder. The exhibit announced Tuesday will open in January at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. The black history museum is under development and is slated to open in its own building on the National Mall in 2015. At Monticello in Virginia, curators are beginning a long-term restoration of Mulberry Row, which included 21 dwellings for enslaved and free workers at the plantation. An exhibit on Mulberry Row opens in February. _Copyright 2011 The Associated Press._