The Matheson History Museum will open its newest exhibition, “Chains of Steele: Money, Power, and Influence,” on Wednesday, Aug. 19, offering visitors an in-depth look at two ancestors of Gainesville’s Matheson family and their connections to the institution of American slavery.
The opening reception will start at 7 p.m. The Matheson History Museum is located at 513 E. University Ave. in Gainesville.
The original exhibition is the result of a year and a half of research, planning and writing. Drawing on unique documents preserved in the museum’s archives, “Chains of Steele” examines Augustus and Augusta Steele, exploring the choices they made, the privileges they received and the lasting effects of slavery on their lives and American history…