(Letter to the Editor - Graphic Illustration/MetroCreativeConnection)

I recently had an opportunity to visit Blennerhassett Island. I had visited it over a decade ago.

With this visit as that one, I enjoyed the boat ride, the island, the reconstruction.

However, with this visit, I found the historical knowledge lacking and very disappointing.

The Blennerhassetts were represented as benevolent benefactors of all they surveyed. And their slaves as servants.

If I were a descendant of one of their slaves, I imagine I would find this lack of recognition to the life they were forced into repugnant (at the least). I find it horrifying that you are touting the Blennerhassetts as some historically great family who contributed to the community with significance, when they should be a lesson for all to learn.

They were self-absorbed, narrow-minded, egotistical people, who kept company with the likes of Aaron Burr.

That my tax dollars are paying to tell people that the Blennerhassetts had servants, tells me that our representatives and associated bureaucracies are not doing what WE THE PEOPLE want.

If we do not recognize our history, then our children will repeat it. I want us to do everything possible to make sure that my children know enough to never repeat the wrongs of our past.

If this does not change, then we might as well rename the Blennerhassett Historical Foundation to the Blennerhassett Fantasy Emporium.

Shame on anyone who thinks this gross rewriting of history is acceptable.

Hope Forsmann

Walker