2007年VOA标准英语-Reconstructed Cabin at George Washington's Farm

By Zulima Palacio
Washington
26 September 2007
 

The organization that runs George Washington's estate near Washington, D.C. opened to the public a typical slave cabin from the 18th century.  Most of those present at the dedication¹ say the tiny house brought back painful memories of slavery in the U.S.

Producer Zulima Palacio covered the ceremony that unveiled the highest profile slavery exhibit at the first president's estate of Mount Vernon.  Jim Bertel narrates² the story.

A gospel singer helped dedicate the small shed.  Some 300 of George Washington's slaves lived in cabins like it, about five by four meters.  It was a typical house for those who worked the land on the president's farms.  The reconstructed cabin will be included in the educational tours of Washington's estate at Mount Vernon.

The estate's director of preservation³, Dennis Pogue, conducted archeological excavations⁴ that revealed exact dimensions of the cabins -- and poor living conditions of slaves in the late 1700s. "According to Washington's 1793 map of the plantation⁵ the cabins at the farm were arranged in rows of at least five buildings with the house of the resident overseer near by.  As many as 75 individuals lived in one of the farms; meaning that these little houses would have accommodated between six and ten people each."

Poets, singers and scholars reflected about the history and suffering of the slaves. 

Thomas Battle directs African American historical research at Howard University.  He said slaves helped determined⁶ America's destiny. "They fought in the war of independence for principles they could understand but not enjoy.  They helped to create a democracy based upon freedoms long denied them and only grudgingly⁷ conceded." 

Two descendants of slaves who lived and died here were present.  Zsun-Nee Matema was one of them. "I am here because I represent the voices of those who have passed over."

In a symbolic⁸ act, descendants and guests poured spoonfuls of soil from Washington's farms on a newly planted apple tree.  Then they spontaneously sang a spiritual once sung by slaves.

 (Lyrics:) "And before I'd be a slave I will be buried in my grave and go home to my lord and be free."

During his life, George Washington wrote of his doubts about slavery -- a practice common in his time.  By the time he died he had freed nearly half of his slaves.

1 dedication   

n.奉献，献身，致力，题献，献辞

参考例句：

• We admire her courage,compassion and dedication.我们钦佩她的勇气、爱心和奉献精神。
• Her dedication to her work was admirable.她对工作的奉献精神可钦可佩。

2 narrates   

v.故事( narrate的第三人称单数 )

参考例句：

• It narrates the unconstitutional acts of James II. 它历数了詹姆斯二世的违法行为。 来自辞典例句
• Chapter three narrates the economy activity which Jew return the Occident. 第三章讲述了犹太人重返西欧后的经济活动。 来自互联网

3 preservation   

n.保护，维护，保存，保留，保持

参考例句：

• The police are responsible for the preservation of law and order.警察负责维持法律与秩序。
• The picture is in an excellent state of preservation.这幅画保存得极为完好。

4 excavations   

n.挖掘( excavation的名词复数 )；开凿；开凿的洞穴（或山路等）；（发掘出来的）古迹

参考例句：

• The excavations are open to the public. 发掘现场对公众开放。
• This year's excavations may reveal ancient artifacts. 今年的挖掘可能会发现史前古器物。 来自辞典例句

5 plantation   

n.种植园，大农场

参考例句：

• His father-in-law is a plantation manager.他岳父是个种植园经营者。
• The plantation owner has possessed himself of a vast piece of land.这个种植园主把大片土地占为己有。

6 determined   

adj.坚定的；有决心的

参考例句：

• I have determined on going to Tibet after graduation.我已决定毕业后去西藏。
• He determined to view the rooms behind the office.他决定查看一下办公室后面的房间。

7 grudgingly   

参考例句：

• He grudgingly acknowledged having made a mistake. 他勉强承认他做错了。 来自《简明英汉词典》
• Their parents unwillingly [grudgingly] consented to the marriage. 他们的父母无可奈何地应允了这门亲事。 来自《现代汉英综合大词典》

8 symbolic   

adj.象征性的，符号的，象征主义的

参考例句：

• It is symbolic of the fighting spirit of modern womanhood.它象征着现代妇女的战斗精神。
• The Christian ceremony of baptism is a symbolic act.基督教的洗礼仪式是一种象征性的做法。