Jefferson's Children: Reflecting on the Complex Legacy of America at 250

$25 | $10 Members
FREE for Gallery Guild and Artist Forum Members
Join photojournalist and author Jane Feldman and Shannon LaNier, media personality, author and descendant of Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings, for a fascinating program that will explore the complexities of lineage, historical memory, and the enduring legacy of the American Revolution as the nation’s 250th anniversary approaches. Currently featured in the exhibition American Stories: Revolution to Rockwell, Feldman’s photographs were originally included in the groundbreaking book Jefferson’s Children: The Story of One American Family, which she co-authored with LaNier. Through Feldman’s striking photographic images and the deeply personal oral histories that were compiled during their joint research, this presentation will touch on the stories of Thomas Jefferson’s diverse descendants, including LaNier’s own journey of discovery and reconciliation as the sixth great-grandson of Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings. By reflecting on and acknowledging the uncomfortable truths of our shared history, the program envisions a more inclusive next chapter for our nation.
Presented in partnership with the NAACP Berkshire County Branch, the program will open with introductory remarks from D. Caleb Smith, Assistant Professor in the Department of History and an affiliate faculty member in the Department of Critical Race and Political Economy at Mount Holyoke College.
ABOUT THE PARTICIPANTS
Jane Feldman is an award-winning photojournalist, author, activist, and educator whose work explores portraiture, human rights, history, and social memory. After an early career in fashion and advertising photography in New York, she turned to documentary and humanitarian work, collaborating with organizations focused on youth empowerment, racial and environmental justice, food justice, and Indigenous communities. Her photographs have appeared in The New York Times, The Boston Globe, TIME, PBS’s Frontline, CNN, The History Channel, and the Smithsonian. Feldman is the co-author and photographer, with Shannon LaNier, of Jefferson’s Children: The Story of One American Family (Random House), a project that brings together portraiture, oral history, and archival research to examine race, inheritance, and our interconnection as Americans. Learn more at janefeldman.com/
Shannon LaNier is a television host, actor, author, and speaker whose work spans broadcast journalism, entertainment, and public conversation on genealogy, race, and American history. Most recently, he appeared on Cheddar News and News 12, where he anchored business coverage and hosted the lifestyle programs Be Well and Road Trip. His earlier on-air roles include BNC, CW39 Houston, BET’s Arise Entertainment 360, and Black Enterprise television. He is the co-author, with Jane Feldman, of Jefferson’s Children: The Story of One American Family (Random House), which explores his family’s history as a descendant of Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings. LaNier brings media fluency, historical insight, and a strong public presence to educational and public programs. Learn more at @MrShannonLanier.