Exhibit - September 7 & 8, 2024
Presentation Hall

Lecture - September 7, 3:30 p.m.
Robins Foundation Theater

In conjunction with Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation's Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design special exhibition, join us at Jamestown Settlement for “The Ancestor's Future: An Afrofuturist's Journey Through Time.”

Cheyney McKnight, artist, historian, and founder/owner of “Not Your Momma’s History” will share a curated experience through Black America’s past to an imagined future. Her exhibit, on view at Jamestown Settlement for one weekend only, explores her approach to Afrofuturism; one in which Black bodies and communities finally reap the full benefits of their labor, resources, ingenuity and creativity.

McKnight will welcome visitors to Jamestown Settlement's Presentation Hall to view her artwork, photographs and clothing and engage in conversation on September 7 and 8.

She will present a lecture on her work, Saturday, September 7 at 3:30 p.m. in the Robins Foundation Theater.

'Creation Stations' for kids

Children are encouraged to experience the exhibit by taking part in "creation stations."

Be inspired by historic paintings or create your own original design with washable markers on cloth to make a unique kerchief.

Make an "Into the Future" journal by writing or drawing your thoughts on what the future could look like for you, your family and community.  

Cheyney McKnight

McKnight graduated from Simmons University in 2011 with a Bachelor’s in Political Science. In 2021, McKnight became an African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund Fellow for the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Her project, titled "The Ancestor’s Future: An Afrofuturist's Journey Through Time," was a piece of performance art and a conversation inspired by Afrofuturism about the future of historic preservation on former sites of enslavement. McKnight uses clothing designs that meld modern textiles that speak to the Black experience in America with 18th and 19th-century silhouettes.

Reserve your spot

Viewing "The Ancestor's Future: An Afrofuturist's Journey Through Time" curated experience, September 7 & 8, is included with admission to Jamestown Settlement.

Admission to McKnight's lecture on Saturday, September 7, 3:30 p.m. in Jamestown Settlement's Robins Foundation Theater is free, however space is limited and registration for each individual is required to reserve your seat.

Dominion Energy is presenting sponsor of the special exhibition with additional support from James City County.