The Rosa Foundation continues its annual public event known as Behind the Big House (BTBH), a nationally recognized program, and recipient of the 2024 Excellence in History award from the Mississippi Historical Society.
Behind the Big House 2025 will take place April 2-5, 2025 at 184 S. Memphis Street, Holly Springs, MS. The property site, owned by Rosa Foundation, includes the 1847 living quarters and kitchen built for enslaved Africans and the 1851 family home of Hugh and Elizabeth Craft. The program focuses on the history and culture of enslaved Africans in northern Mississippi with public tours facilitated by experienced historical interpreters. Through narratives that have often been overlooked or suppressed, our experts will highlight the daily lives and work of enslaved adults and children within the context of the social, economic, and cultural context of northern Mississippi in the mid-19th century.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2:
5:30 pm David B. Person Welcoming Reception at The Depot
6:00 pm Dinner and Presentation
THURSDAY, APRIL 3
9:00 am – 5 pm Tour Day with Historical Interpretation
Tour Stations:
1. Historical Context and introduction with Sally Godard
2. Quarters for the enslaved persons with Joseph McGill
3. Laundress role with Tammy Gibson
4. Food and Cooking with Jordan Wimby
5. Brick-Making with Dale DeBerry and Wayne Jones
6. Household duties of enslaved children and Museum Exhibit with Sally Godard, Rolanda Lester
7. African American Geneology with Deborah Davis, Rhkty Amen Jones, Beverly Bevel
8. Onsite archaeology field work with Carolyn Freiwald and students
FRIDAY, APRIL 4
9:00 am- 5 pm Tour Day with Historical Interpretation (same tour stations as above)
SATURDAY, APRIL 5
9:00 am – 5 pm Tour Day with Historical Interpretation
