Faison House Honors Its African American Connection With A New Museum Exhibit

The Faison Preservation Society invites the public to attend the grand opening of its African American exhibit, Thriving Through God’s Grace, on Saturday, Jan. 18, at 2 p.m. The exhibit delves into the house’s African American connection.

“The exhibit is about empowerment, not victimization. Those featured went to work pursuing the American Dream despite stiff social opposition,” Faison Preservation Society president, Arnold Romberg said.

One thread follows the amazing story of Louisiana Brown, freedwoman, who owned the N.W. Faison House from 1870 to 1872. Although she sold the house to N.W.’s brother, Peter, she was a homeowner for the rest of her life.

The other connection concerns N.W. Faison’s halfbrother, enslaved Peyton Faison. The exhibit articulates the reasons Peyton was treated differently from his half siblings as well as the complex relationship between Blacks and Whites in the 19th Century.

The exhibit was developed by Marie W. Watts, Faison Preservation Society vice president and historian; Stacey Bennett-Dwyer, Peyton Faison descendent and historian; and David Collins, Fayette County African American historian.

Descendants of Peyton Faison are encouraged to attend a private viewing at the house from 12 to 1 p.m.

After the grand opening, the exhibit is open on Saturdays from 12 to 4 or, for groups, by special appointment. Admission is free.

The N.W. Faison House, located at 822 South Jefferson, La Grange, is on the National Register of Historic Places at the state level of recognition for its social history.

You can learn more about the Faison House at www. faisonhouse.org. Please contact fps@faisonhouse.org you have any questions.