The Shockoe Project in Richmond to Feature Replica of Historic Slave Ship

by | Dec 17, 2024 | COMMUNITY, JUSTICE, MUSEUM & GALLERY NEWS, RICHMOND NEWS

Richmond, Virginia, is poised to become a pivotal location for understanding the history of slavery in America with The Shockoe Project, a large-scale initiative dedicated to memorializing the city’s role in the transatlantic slave trade and honoring the experiences of enslaved and free Africans. With the unveiling of a life-size replica of the slave ship Brooks, alongside a range of other historical landmarks and improvements, the project aims to both educate and foster reconciliation for the past.

Shockoe-Project_Brooks_RVA-Magazine-2024
Stowage of the British slave ship Brookes under the regulated slave trade act of 1788.

The Life-Size Replica Slave Ship

One of the main features of The Shockoe Project is the life-size replica of Brooks, a slave ship famously used during the transatlantic slave trade. This replica will be constructed at Ancarrow’s Trailhead, marking the beginning of the Richmond Slave Trail. The memorial ship will serve as a powerful, tangible reminder of the conditions endured by enslaved Africans as they were forcibly transported to the Americas. City leaders, including Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney and Del. Delores McQuinn, emphasize that the project is more than just a commemoration — it’s an essential step toward reconciling with a painful part of Richmond’s history.

Mayor Stoney expressed that the project’s significance lies not only in remembering the past but also in ensuring the stories of the enslaved, often silenced for generations, are finally acknowledged. Del. McQuinn added that the memorial is a step toward reconciliation, an opportunity for the city to reflect on its painful history while forging a path forward for future generations.

A Comprehensive Historical Destination

Beyond the replica ship, the Shockoe Project includes improvements to several key historical sites throughout the Shockoe Valley. This includes The Richmond Slave Trail, which already features the Shockoe Bottom African Burial Ground, the Shockoe Hill African Burying Ground, and the Reconciliation Statue Plaza. The project also plans to relocate and restore the Winfree Cottage, an important African American historic site, and further develop the Shockoe Bottom area, once a bustling hub for the domestic slave trade.

The Shockoe Project_RVA Magazine 2024
A conceptual rendering depicting the National Slavery Museum, an element of the Shockoe Project. (Baskervill)

Burt Pinnock, the master planner for the Shockoe Project, highlighted how much of the history tied to Richmond’s role in the slave trade has been “erased” over the years. He expressed that the Brooks replica and the overall memorial project will serve as a space for reflection, remembrance, and education about the historical ties between Richmond and the institution of slavery.

The project’s aim is not just to tell history but to create a space where people can physically walk through and experience that history. In addition to the replica ship, plans include an amphitheater and a memorial wall at Ancarrow’s Trailhead, offering visitors a space to reflect on the past and its continuing impact on society today.

A National Significance

Richmond’s place in American history is indelible, as it was not only the capital of the Confederacy but also a major center for the domestic slave trade. Leaders behind the Shockoe Project see this memorial as an opportunity to position Richmond at the center of the story of slavery in America — to show how the legacy of enslavement has shaped the city and the nation as a whole. Many African Americans today trace their lineage back to Richmond, making the memorial a crucial part of reconnecting with their ancestral roots.

The Shockoe Project has been under discussion for decades, but with city leaders and community advocates now rallying behind the initiative, it is gaining momentum. With the support of private donations and grant funding, the project is expected to receive city council approval and begin its construction in the coming years.

RVA Staff

RVA Staff

Since 2005, the dedicated team at RVA Magazine, known as RVA Staff, has been delivering the cultural news that matters in Richmond, VA. This talented group of professionals is committed to keeping you informed about the events and happenings in the city.




more in community

From The Village Cafe to Literary Fame: Tom Robbins Dies at 92

Tom Robbins, the celebrated author known for his whimsical storytelling and philosophical wit, passed away on February 9, 2025, at the age of 92 in La Conner, Washington. Though he became a literary icon in the Pacific Northwest, Robbins' formative years in Richmond,...

It’s Still Our City Podcast | Ep. 3 Russian Vampp

“Richmond’s own Raunchy Chandelier, Emma (aka Empress de Naste’), is a local artist, burlesque performer, and the producer behind Immodest Opulence Productions. Before stepping into the burlesque scene, this VCU fashion grad found her footing working at Carytown...

You Know It’s Bad When Waffle House Is Raising Egg Prices

Waffle House is the kind of place that doesn’t flinch. Hurricanes, power outages, late-night chaos—it stays open through it all. The idea of it closing or changing is almost unthinkable. But now, something’s shifted. They’re not closing their doors, but they’re...

Photos | Trump Protests in Richmond and DC

Hundreds of people gathered at Richmond’s Capitol Square on Wednesday as part of the nationwide 50501 Movement, protesting President Trump’s Project 2025 agenda. Organized by Dia Figueroa, the rally focused on opposing proposed cuts to reproductive rights, stricter...

Richmond’s SCAG Gallery Pushes for Equity in the Art Market

In the barrenness of the winter months, SCAG (Southside Contemporary Art Gallery) provides a vivid contrast. Hull Street is alive with people hustling about the red brick buildings and snow-encrusted sidewalks. The gallery itself resembles a greenhouse, its entrance...