Memoria [EN] No. 23 (08/2019) | Page 32

Ms Barna’s presentation was entitled ‘What Does it Mean to ‘Know’ of Atrocities in the Age of Trump?’ It was based upon her doctoral research investigating America’s relationship with its own history of slavery and genocide, primarily through the lens of museums concerning former plantations and President Andrew Jackson. Jackson – the 7th President of the United States, who was actively involved in the slave trade and genocide of indigenous people – is famously liked by current President Donald Trump. This has resulted in more visitors at Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage, a former cotton plantation near Nashville. Ms Barna discussed the relative absence of slavery history presented at the Hermitage, and considered the ethical implications of using such a site for commercial purposes, such as weddings and family fun days.