Print this Lesson

The Role of a Plantation Mistress

General

Grade Level

Middle

Summary

Rating

Author Info

Robin Gabriel

Monticello Education Department

Charlottesville, VA  22902

Type of Lesson

Document Analysis

Duration

Overview

Prior Knowledge

Objectives/Learning Outcomes

1. 5 min
   

   Hand out, or show on an overhead, the pages from Martha Wayles Jefferson's household account books.

2. 10 min
   

   Question 1: What types of things did Mrs. Jefferson seem to be responsible for, based upon her accounts?

   Ans: Butchering of animals for consumption; making of tallow, soap, and candles; care of clothing and household linens; recording of vegetables planted; trading with slaves for items not grown or produced at Monticello.

   Hint - be sure to point out that she was supervising much of this activity and not actually doing the slaughtering, etc.

3. 10 min
   

   Question 2: The entries for June and July are much less detailed than the entries for the other months. What might account for this?

   Ans: Students will probably suggest things such as an absence from Monticello; too busy; sickness of Mrs. Jefferson or other family concerns.

   In actuality, this time period covers the birth and death of Mr. and Mrs. Jefferson's only son, which may explain the lack of more detailed accounts. Mrs. Jefferson was known to be very weak after the birth of each of her children.

4. 5 min
   

   Assign the activity for homework by clicking the "Copy to Assignment" link in upper right of this lesson plan and inserting the instructions as appropriate.  Give students the Class Number to access the assigment online.

    

Info Sheets

• Martha Wayles Jefferson, Jefferson's wife

Handouts and Downloads

• The Role of a Plantation Mistress - Using the Documents

Websites

• Monticello Classroom Slideshow Builder

Images

Materials Needed

Technology Needs

Print this Lesson