When I see a post with an attitude such as Gwen's, I click on their name to look at their other posts. In Gwen's case, there are a grand total of three - all with an attitude and none contributing to the subject of travel. Just ignore her.

Whatever race you might happen to be, there is nothing offensive about wanting to take an in-depth look at any aspect of our country. The history of the U.S., comparatively short as it may be, is filled with turbulence and showcases every facet of humankind's honor and dishonor both in equal measure. It is far more offensive to ignore and turn a blind eye to the more uncomfortable events.

My respect goes to your teenager for her interest and to you for supporting her studies.

Should we put these on the offensive list, too?

The Colosseum (gawking at victims of the Roman Empire)
Tower of London (gawking at victims of the British crown)
Valley Forge (gawking at revolutionary war victims)
Normandy Coast (gawking at WWII victims)
Flanders (gawking at WW I victims)
The Pyramids (gawking at dead laborers)

History is not always pretty.

Craig has it right.

Gwen's paltry 3 or 4 posts are all negative and mostly negative towards children.

What a sad life.

Fodor's has done another "half-editing" job on this one. Gwen's posts about the OP being offensive has been deleted, but the replies to Gwen by myself and others haven't been deleted, with the result that we seem to be ranting at nothing. Oh, well.

It is a bit outside of the states you mentioned, but Charleston, SC offers a lot of educational opportunities regarding slavery. There are tours, and you can visit plantations and see urban slave dwellings. There is a nice museum too. Charleston was one of the leading ports of entry for slaves.

KT - You're right! It makes all of our responses seem like nonsense. It is a shame as I was actually impressed and encouraged by the feedback to Gwen's being offended. I think we handled it quite well and made some good points. As you said, Oh well.

Carter's Grove Plantation used to have a wonderful living history display on slavery. It is my understanding that Colonial Williamsburg is no longer supporting this site, however, so it may no longer be open to the public. If you decide to visit the Underground Railroad Museum in Cincinnati, be sure to stop in the little town of Ripley. Located along Route 52 that parallels the Ohio River, this town is the site where Eliza crosses the ice flows on the river in "Uncle Tom's Cabin". Drive up to the Rankin House at the top of the hill. Used by runaway slaves as a 'station house', it currently houses a small onsite museum. For more information see www.ripleyohio.net

Don't miss the Frederick Douglas House in DC (take a cab).

http://www.nps.gov/frdo/