George Washington's Enslaved Housemaid: Caroline Branham

Martha Washington inherited all the slave upon George's death. No slaves were freed.

OMG! That had to be so hard!! Washing clothes, nasty dirty sheets and getting paid in NOTHING but being treated like trash everyday!!

This moving content was delivered with such great care, thoughtfulness, and compassion - providing a compelling glimpse into the past. Thank you for sharing history. Thank you.

I'd love to hear about the culture "behind" the slavery because even in the midst of their hardships they were still individuals with great passion for life. Reminds me of the saying, "when life gives you lemons." They patiently overcame and wove a life within their imprisonment. New dishes with what little was given to them, their own songs, religion, customs etc. The true history is cruel and unacceptable, but within those layers there were good things like Taylor's story. Their bodies and minds were shackled, but their relentless spirit was never enslaved.

Can't get enough of this lady and these stories.

She’s so pretty and I love how she tells stories. I could fall asleep listening to her voice. U can tell she has a passion for what she does

Wonderful, historical information. Wonderful, not ref to slavery, but wonderful bringing the Slaves of Washington TO LIFE! I am a product of European, American Indian, and African people...and your story telling touches my spirit in a way that I cannot explain. Thank you.

Thank you, Brenda Parker, for putting a face on Slavery in the 18th century, and how it was at Mount Vernon. I have watched several of the videos showing Brenda interpreting enslaved women. She makes me want to sit down with her and glean all the stories, and all the facts of her lives as she interprets. (Although to be historically correct she probably would not have had permission to do so, or the time for it. No time to be idle, or to even daydream of freedom.) I listened to the video with the Negro Spiritual, Steal Away. Brenda, I felt both of the meanings in your singing of it. Your voice is beautiful, you are beautiful lady, whether in the 18th century or the 21st. Perhaps one day I will visit Mount Vernon and meet you. That is on my bucket list.

Thank you Brenda for this insightful commentary.

What a terrible life, for those people. God bless them.

It's a shame how many people take history out of context. Great video, thank you!

These founding fathers really liked the word "constitution" didn't they.

I don't get all the comments saying she's making it sound like a good life?? She's described a life of ceaseless, unpaid labor. Only able to keep your family together if it suits the whims of a white man. She's got a smooth calming voice, but I'd say we can TRUST she's anti-slavery!

What a wonderful and bittersweet story, told with touching simplicity and sincerity by the lovely Brenda Parker. She is a soothing voice during the pandemic. I now know what it is to lose my own freedom to some degree, and feel for the difficult life Caroline Branham led - and how gracefully, how kindly, she took care of the little girl who stayed in Mount Vernon. I am so glad the family stayed together.

The beautiful lady narrator of these stories, is just the best. She brings the story alive with ease,it seems. It must be hard to tell these stories ,which are difficult at best. Well done,Mam.

Wonderful story. Enjoy watching reinactors of Doll and Billy Lee also!

Oh, so sweet. George was kind enough to keep his slaves’ families intact. But they were enslaved and couldn’t legally marry or care for their own children, while laboring and waiting on the Washingtons and their guests.

Nicely read however she making it seem like it was a wonderful life..NOT

I am so grateful to learn her name, and about her in some small way.

Thank you for this!