Planning Whispers in the Garden: Bringing Buried Voices to Light at Liberty Hall
As a new intern at Liberty Hall through the I.D.E.A.L. program, I have the incredible opportunity to plan and execute a tour that centers the lives of the enslaved while exploring the history of this site. The tour, Whispers in the Garden, is designed to give visitors an immersive experience, highlighting the resilience, labor, and humanity of the individuals whose stories are often hidden behind the grandeur of the estate.
Planning this tour is both challenging and deeply rewarding. I spend hours researching letters, wills, and personal accounts to uncover the lived experiences of the enslaved. These stories form the backbone of the tour, allowing me to connect historical facts to real human experiences. Every decision I make about what artifacts to highlight, how to arrange the pathways, and what narratives to emphasize is intentional, calculated, and rooted in respect. I carefully consider the words I use, ensuring that each story honors the intelligence, strength, and resilience of those who lived here while conveying the realities of systemic oppression.
The execution of the tour requires thoughtful design and a clear connection between visitor and exhibit. I consider how to guide audiences through the gardens and spaces of Liberty Hall, how to present the duality of wealth built on the labor of enslaved people, and how to create a narrative that allows visitors to experience history in an emotional, immersive, and educational way. Each element, from artifact placement to narrative order to interpretive language, is deliberate, creating a path that fosters understanding and empathy while honoring the lives of those who endured immense hardship.
Every step of this process, from researching and planning to preparing to present, is a lesson in perspective, empathy, and responsibility. Curating and developing an exhibit that honors my ancestors has profoundly shaped me, instilling a sense of pride in my ability to elevate and preserve these voices. I am learning to translate historical documents into compelling narratives, engage audiences emotionally, and make history tangible without diminishing its weight. This tour is not only about teaching visitors; it is about amplifying voices that have too long been silenced.
Being part of the creation and execution of Whispers in the Garden is an ongoing process of discovery, reflection, and careful design. Each day brings new insights, challenges, and opportunities to honor the lives lived here and to ensure that visitors leave with a deeper awareness of the people behind the history.
About the Author:
Sydney Rivers is a proud scholar at Kentucky State University, where she is double majoring in Psychology and Business in Finance. A Dean’s List student, current Miss Black and Gold, and Executive Second Vice President of the Student Government Association, she has shaped her college journey around leadership, service, and representing KSU with excellence. Sydney plans to pursue a doctorate after graduation to expand her knowledge and impact.
As a bilingual scholar, she values the importance of bridging cultures and creating connections. She joined this internship to proudly represent Kentucky State University and to help close the gap between minority undergraduate students and historic sites, fostering inclusion, awareness, and shared appreciation of history.