Aiken-Rhett House, Charleston

My husband and I visited Charleston for the first time in the summer of 2006 for a week's vacation. There were so many things on our "to do" list,and although we could have gone on a number of plantation tours,we both feel that the Aiken-Rhett House was worth the visit. Being African-Americans I felt that it was necessary to visit a part of our historical roots even though to some this is an area that would best be forgotten. I agree that the plantation was not in the best shape,but considering that it survived a hurricane is a testament to how well it was constructed. I can only imagine seeing the Aiken-Rhett in all its glory as she once proudly stood. The cassette taped narration was great because it along with your own imagination and the visuals was breath-taking. I must admit that I was overwhelmed with emotion and couldn't help but to cry due to the fact that I knew that I was walking in areas that once people who looked like me walked. Save the grace of God,this could have been my plight to have been a slave and Aiken-Rhett been my "home". Aside from the emotional drain,I enjoyed the tour tremendously and would recommend everyone to visit a part of our nation's history. I honestly can't figure out why this isn't a tour that's aimed at school children. We live in a diverse country,and in order to better understand each other we need to literally be able to "walk in someone else's shoes". Taking this tour will allow you to do just that.I walked away somewhat proud of my ancestors to not only see what they had built and sustained with their own blood,sweat,and tears but it fortified my inner strength to reaffirm that there is no obstacle that I cannot overcome.If my ancestors survived the horrors of such a time,I have nothing to keep me down today.That's the epiphany that I had as I toured the Aiken-Rhett House.No one entering those doors should leave unchanged. In closing,it was an experience that I won't forget because I felt an energy there which I can't explain.To all African-Americans I say to go and visit our history and see what our people built.