Butler Island is the home to one of the largest plantations that ever existed in the state of Georgia. In 1859 many enslaved on the island were sold during the period known as The Weeping Time, commemorated annually the first weekend in March.
Servant Emannuel Branch, a documentarian and educator, will host the 2nd Annual Butler Island Dayon Saturday, October 22nd, in Darien, GA. In the past, this location has been considered for development into a brewery or restaurant. Descendants and historians worked to save the plantation site from development. Butler Island day provides another opportunity for those interested in this rich history to commemorate and celebrate our ancestors.
I ask Branch how he came to learn about The Butler Island Plantation and its association with the Butler Island Plantation in Darien, Georgia. He speaks about being raised and educated in Savannah and never having heard of the story. He didn’t learn about the The Weeping Time until the historical marker was placed on Augusta Avenue in 2008.
Branch says that the theme of this year’s event is From Africa to America to Butler Island. Dr. Kwesi deGraft Hanson an expert on The Weeping Time from Ghana will give the keynote address. There will also be walking tour of the property, food trucks and more.
For more information on Servant Emanuel Branch
For more information on Butler Island Day