Kneading in Silence: A Glimpse into the Life of the Enslaved Cook Judah

This 30-minute presentation discusses the life of Judah, the enslaved cook of Belle Grove. Purchased by the Hites with her two young boys, Judah was the Hites' cook at the time of her death in 1836. Rare primary source documents from the Hite family reveal insights into her life.  

The program takes place in the winter kitchen of the Belle Grove Manor House (enter under the front porch).

This program is free of charge, though donations are appreciated. Regular admission applies to tour the Manor House before the program (at 1:15) or after the program (at 3:15). Purchase admission to tour the Manor House in the Welcome Center when you arrive.

The program is presented monthly on these dates: 

• Friday, March 29, 2:30-3 p.m.
• Friday, April 26, 2:30-3 p.m.
• Friday, May 31, 2:30-3 p.m.
• Friday, June 28, 2:30-3 p.m.
• Friday, July 26, 2:30-3 p.m
• Friday, August 30, 2:30-3 p.m.
• Friday, September 27, 2:30-3 p.m.
• Friday, October 25, 2:30-3 p.m.

This compelling program, which has been offered since 2016, inspired an historical novel by Dr. Brian C. Johnson, Send Judah First: The Erased Life of an Enslaved Soul published in August 2019  by Hidden Shelf Publishing House. It is available on Amazon. The cover art is a pastel rendering of what Judah may have looked like by artist Megan Whitfield.