In Germany we have dozens and dozens of museums about the Holocaust and WWII. I am actually quite shocked that the museum in this video was the FIRST museum on slavery in the United States.... wow. Really goes to show how much America has tried to run away from and ignore that part of history.

Slavery ended 153 years ago..my grandfather turned 100. None of this is old

When she said “but I already knew that , I’ve married her son” LMAOOOOOOO I didn’t expect that

I am a 73 year old white southern woman who is beyond glad to see this. So often, on these plantation tours, the lives, deaths, and hard, hard work of the slaves is minimized and barely mentioned. That is so wrong, dishonest, and disrespectful, so I am thankful to this man for his hard work, honesty, and devotion to the truth.

I cried when I visited the Whitney Plantation. I was so touched that I was speechless. You can feel the souls of the children in the church.

I like John Cummings, I respect his vision, I respect his desire. A man of wealth, and a man of intelligence. Not blinded by ignorance. Thank you John.

I cried so hard when I visited there with my family. It was soooooo hard and so heavy. The tour guide was extremely respectful and the spirits there are very much so still there.

In my 12 years living in the USA, going from elementary school and now in college, let me just say teachers and professors really do a horrible job teaching the history of slavery, this is why we need African American history course in every school starting with middle school.

This is how you use your riches!!!!! Lord knows many cant afford to do this. This is incredible!

My respect to this man for being open and honest. How sad that many cannot deal with the truth.

My great grandmother was born in 1893 she lived until I was 10. So I've heard So many stories my grandmother is 98 now

We've all learned about slavery in school - we all know that it happened. But to actually go and visit one of these Louisiana plantations - is an absolute heart wrenching and gutting experience. Having a long line of Louisiana heritage - my husband surprised me with a vacation to New Orleans for our Anniversary. We booked a tour to the "Oak Alley Plantation" (located on the west bank of the Mississippi River, in the community of Vacherie, St. James Parish, Louisiana.) The reason why we (naively) picked this particular plantation, was because it was used for the movie "Interview With The Vampire". (Which is a terribly embarrassing fact to admit to today.) Pulling up to this plantations unbelievably breathtaking canopied path - which is majestically lined by gigantic 800 feet southern live oak trees, each planted in the early 18th century literally took my breath away. It was the most poignantly beautiful scene I have ever laid my eyes on in my entire forty years of life. We learned at the beginning of the tour that all of those magnificent trees had each been planted, cared and nurtured by the enslaved gardeners of the plantation - who maintained the monumental beauty of these stunning oak trees for well over a hundred + years. The tour began with going through each of the enslaved dwellings on the plantation - 12 ramshackled rickety sheds that had once housed the plantations field slaves, who carried out 18 hour + shifts working the plantations grounds and sugar mill - this was highly dangerous and back-breaking work that was even often deadly. We went in and out of these enslaved dwellings - one by one - each disheartening and crushing as the one before. We saw the very shackles, restraints and inhumane manacles that were used to keep them helplessly bounded, enslaved and unimaginably indentured. Some of the names of these slaves were noted in purchase papers which were displayed in these dwellings. They were listed as inhabitants of property, or as purchased inventories. Men, women and children - each of their worth priced by the value of their estimated labor capability. It was stomach turning to see with my own eyes. Much like the rest of America, The Oak Alley Plantation and its productive sugar mill was built by and relied on the backs of enslaved men, women and even children. To read about this in our American History classes in school is one thing - but trust and believe that it is quite another to see and hear of it all in first person... Walking on the very same land that these poor souls once walked on - once worked on, had been beaten on, and were often hung on, will stay with me for the rest of my life. Imagining the scraps of solace and comfort that was all they had to find as they were forced to merely exist in the unspeakable living conditions that served as their home... I never saw it the way I saw it that day - and it touched my heart and soul profusely. By the time we reached the end of the enslaved dwellings - all the insuppressible tears that I couldn't fight back - my eyes were nearly swollen almost all the way shut. I cried my heart out the rest of that day - even writing this brings me to tears. I believe that it is incumbent upon each and EVERY American to go see, feel and experience a plantation visit first hand. We must never, ever forget this horrifically regrettable part of our history - we must always honor and recognize the countless poor souls who should have never suffered the unimaginable suffering they should have never been forced to. Observing their honor, I will always feel beholden and indebted to each and every one of them for the rest of my life. May they forever rest in beautiful and merciful peace.

Hats off to this gentleman. He’s a real one!

Myself and wife toured the plantation 6/20/19 and was overwhelmed, we loved it and insist that each of our family members visit. For fact, that as far one can see behind themselves is as far they can see forward... Thank you Mr. Cummings for your great work.

This is how you give tribute to the people who came before us. ❤❤❤

I took my mom and many of my family during Covid-19. We cried, we prayed, we saw family names from HAITI that my mom recognized. We are not that far removed. Everything on that plantation looked like the home that my grandmothers grew up in on the Island of Hispanola. The oven, the tools, how the homes are built, EVERYTHING was exactly as I see back home. Seeing your family's name on the wall of slaves, then reading the story is something that cannot be explained. Thank goodness the Whitney Plantation was restored and I'm glad I was able to take my mom to see it.

Hats off to the owner for doing this!

This man did a righteous thing.

Wow! To bring history back to life like that so people can really see what went on is soooo POWERFUL and needed.

i feel really sorry for the people who went through this. just plain abuse

If you don't learn from the past, you're doomed to repeat it & this is definitely a wonderful first step towards confronting our past and attempting to learn about it & from it

This is so painful, but a true part of history. Let's recognize it and remember.

I visited this plantation 2 years ago. it was amazing, it brought tears to my eyes. Please visit if you get a chance.

God bless this man!!!! Went there yesterday and cried like a baby once I got by myself!♥️ I was definitely saddened by the stories, happy this was dedicated to the lives of the enslaved!

Thank you Mr. Cummings for investing in our history, and bringing the truth to light. I appreciate you.

I'm 59 years old, and i cried like a baby near the end of this video....please remember that this took place a little over 100 years ago....Let us not go back.

I visited New Orleans and my sister planned a tour to two separate plantations. I can’t explain why, but I felt awful while I was there. It’s been over 10 years, and it still haunts me.

I’ve lived 30 min from New Orleans my whole live and I STILL tear up every time I hear tragedy like this

The spirits are there! This place hurts me and I’m not even there.

In no way is he disrespecting slavery's history

Just the clips and images of the plantation have me holding back tears. I cannot imagine how it must feel to walk around and face what took place on that land...and then extend that to what took place all over this country.

I truly appreciate this man and those like him who display real love, which covers a multitude of sins.

I'm a civil war reenactor for museums. Its truly sad what african Americans went through. Knowledge is power without museums history is lost

This is a place where I would love to visit.... full of history.

“Just accepting the history can do that?”, response - “owning it”

Wow, what a beautiful story. I’m so glad you bought the plantation. Thank you so much for buying the plantation. So sad but true and real.

He right! We aren’t that far removed.... Just a little better at covering it up!

God bless him for bringing some light into what these people suffered 😭😭. Voiceless... 😞😞

Thank you Sir..the KEY thing he said in this interview at the end was "owning it" recognizing the past, that it existed, and he's remorseful even though he had nothing to do with it..he was willing to divulge himself if what happened and how all these souls felt..owning it means you have a conscience a heart..God bless the work he's doin..because he's willing to use his own money says it all.

Thank you Sir for being willing to tell our story 🙏🏼🙏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

I'm biracial and half my family owned slaves and half my family was slaves. the truth is fucked up and the fact that he wants to tell the truth about him feeling bad about slavery shows how this world is changing in a positive way. Make the future better by building off the past

This guy did a magnificent restoration of the buildings and grounds. His dedication to telling the story of the slaves is commendable.

Very nice show you put together. I love watching programs such as this and wish you would do more. Thank you so much.

Thank you for sharing this story !!! 💙

God bless all my ancestors I love you all thanks for making me my life better. Y'all the real heroes

What an amazing way to honor those who suffered and died as slaves in this country! One day, I hope to visit this memorial.

Wow thank you for your honesty and thank you for sharing that made me cry

I really love seeing & watching these stories !! Thank U 60 minutes & please more stories like these !!

The mind boggling part, IS that it "was only 3 generations ago" for MANY people! That is NOT a long time, if one puts it into perspective. Hell, most women couldn't vote, less than 100 yrs. ago (until 1920)! It only took 70 years! Geezzz!

What a beautiful man a man with feelings a man with soul a man that has integrity and knowledge God bless you

Bravo, John! Well done. This is so very praiseworthy!

Tears fell as I watched this video. So much pain and so much untouched history. I have family In Louisiana and they may hav come from this plantation.

Certain people in this comment section are so triggered, just accept what ur ancestors done !!

I want to go there and pay my respects to all of those who have suffered.

I was there in 2018 and I must say, it's extremely powerful in so many ways. I believe every single American should visit!

What a great investment you made with your raw, open, honest education 👏 thank you Nurse Angela

"owning it" WOW! I'm definitely going to visit this place!

What if you could see the memories of your ancestors oh boy

Thank you for trying to do your part to make things better😇😇😇

He's a good hearted man God bless him for doing what he's doing

I wonder if it’s haunted there 😟 like when they were killed did they’re spirits rest or not

Thank you John for seeing it fit to spend so much of your own money so that we can never forget the great injustice to our people. You deserve high recognition for highlighting it.

The openness John has is amazing to admit it and acknowledge the wrong doing speechless most people can't find this kind of peace. This is a hard conversation most people deflect or turn the conversation into we should all love each other, but fact is at one point we were not loved. It's left generations of trauma. As I sit here wondering if I could ever trace my history back past my Great Grands because all my ancestors are gone, never to tell their story. This is hopeful and a beautiful story!

now here is a man who knows the injustices that were done and has worked hard to expose it and at least has tried to bring out the truth much respect to you.

Wow those heads on sticks. I’m so glad they memorialized that to show the horrendous treatment. That was really scary.

It’s heartbreaking. How anyone could “ own “ and enslave people Just makes me sick. There’s so many evil things in this world. So heart breaking !

I love that this man has built this educational platform for us. We don't admit or teach true history.

My heart is happy to hear from you and I hope you continue to ask to strengthen your family and members

No words, tears so grateful so thankful. Thank you thankyou Thank you! My ancestors are resting in peace. Never forget, my ancestors lives mattered.

I think this museum is a great thing that the owner is doing for the black man. It demonstrates his love and compassion for his fellow man.

God Bless you Sir!!! What you have done is commendable and amazing all in the same. We cannot change History, but we can learn from it to forever change our ways going forward....

excellent report

Thank you for your compassion , this will be on my bucket list💪🏿

God bless that man soul. He truly see's it for what it is. Slavery was a evil injustice.

Thank you Sir. Many blessings to you and your Family 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼🙏🏼

What a good man - telling the truth . Much needed

My family and I visited the Whitney a month ago and it was so informative and heartbreaking to learn of things our ancestors went thru. Thank you to the Owner of Whitney 🙏🏽

I hope I get an opportunity to visit this plantation. I think it would be worth visiting. Its a very emotional story that I can identify and connect with this experience.

As soon as I started to cry,! He said lots of people cry coming there& so does he still!! Made me feel better watching not odd or alone. WE CAN ONLY CHANGE TODAY 4-Tomorrow or next gen.!!! ❤️for all thanks rich guy who still ACTS NORMAL &Real.! so many don’t talk or share & then no one HEARS THIER versions of the TRUTHS.,, thank you. 😇❤️

Thank u Mr.John we love and thank u

This was an amazing experience. The tour guide is an AMAZING wealth of information. The amount of original artifacts found on this land was unreal. The memorial walls, the historical facts from the slaves to the slave owners and so much more. I will definitely return as they continue to open the doors of yesterday. I hope others venture to this breathtaking experience. I wept, I laughed, and I learned.

Sickening how cruel they were to my ancestors

So much history of slavery is undocumented and lost. It's really great what he's done to preserve and help educate about what happened.

Wow that man's heart, that owns this property !!!! I stand with you, beside you and appreciate what you're doing!!! You are a blessing sir and an angel in disguise

History is not for the frail minded and weak stomached. What you deem the good, the bad and the ugly of history all boils down to your perception and position. The same situation can and will be seen differently cause of perception and position. Empathy bridges gaps!

How did slave owners sleep at night? I don't mean their conscience, I mean being so outnumbered. They must have come to hate those they held in chains.

I feel like John secretly comes from plantation owners

Great video, thanks

"But I already knew that. I married her son." Powerful. Knowledge is key. Stay woke Amerikkka.

Wow, this has brought tears to my eyes what my ancestors had to go through, very very sad, I still think about it today, that is something that will always stay with me.

Just came from visiting this. Painful, but well done. It is SO important that we are reminded about the reality of this country's past, learn, understand the truth about how it is connected to us today so that we can truly move forward. And I do mean tell the truth...ALL OF IT.

Thank you for what you did. I have a lot of respect for you sir.

This is so awesome, thank you for educating the children today of what life was like for these poor people.

This is so heart wrenching to watch .. god bless every soul that was in and taken during the slavery times

Watching this video alone makes me cry.

I love this story. We need more educational centers and awareness of the history.

Thank you for sharing this story. Thank you for spending millions of your own funds to restore this historical place. God bless your heart to open it up for us all to explore. Please, parents, take your children, especially your male children to see this ....may their hearts be convicted to strive for greatness!

Idc who owns it all I hope is that the museum teaches what our history class failed to teach Edit: I think what he's doing is perfect. 🤗👍🏽

I watched this video a year ago but watching this in June 2020 hits differently.

My soul is grieving when I watch this and think of all the suffering and pain that these people had to endure. I now live in Africa and half for 11 years. These are the most wonderful and beautiful people. I am humbled to live among them and their families.