william johnson house

The museum itself isn't anything special (as far as the National Park Service goes). You can easily see everything there is to see in an hour. But this is such a fascinating piece of southern history that it's worth the stop. Did you even know that there were freed blacks living in Mississippi before the Civil War? Did you ever imagine that they were treated with (some) respect by white folks? Johnson's diary is an incredible artifact. If you love history, don't miss the William Johnson House.

We visited this site at the very end of our stay so we rushed through the exhibits unfortunately . The museum had wonderful displays that explained the life of a free black during that time period. And, while I knew that blacks owned slaves, this was the first time I was able to put a face to that aspect of history. This is another National Park so there is a ranger on site and the buildings are well cared for. There is no charge to tour this home and museum.

I'm So Glad we took the time to visit William Johnson's Museum. It is Free Admission and as you walk in the Park Ranger on site is Incredibly Knowledgeable. The exhibits on the ground floor are nicely done and we really enjoyed going upstairs to view some of the actual rooms and furniture of his home. We would recommend this Museum as it's very interesting and affords you a look at Mississippi in the early 1800's that you've probably Never seen before!

Very interesting black history site with awesome exhibits. William Johnson's story is fascinating. A must see when visiting Natchez!

Did you know that freed blacks owned black slaves? Yep. William Johnson was a freed black man (history uses "person of color") who began his own businesses at the age of 17 and became very influential in Natchez in the 1800's. He owned slaves!

Home of a "freed slave" who made good as a barber in Natchez. He raised many children here, and met with an untimely death. Part of the Nat. Park Service, so free of charge.

Certainly a different view of life in the 1800s. Well worth a visit. Self guided but there is a very knowledgeable person on site.

A little misleading, as there is no actual house to tour (as with Melrose and/or Rosalie), but it's a good 1-hour stop. Very knowledgable staff and nice exhibits. Part of Historic Downtown Natchez.

William Johnson was a free man of color who owned a number of barbershops, a house, land, 12 slaves, and left an estate worth $30,000 when he died in 1851. His diary fleshes out life in antebellum Natchez outside of planter elite society. The house is a solid brick building about a block from Bluff Park which has a great view of the Mississippi River. There is no admission. The Park Ranger was helpful in describing Johnson's success and the circumstances of his death. His killer escaped conviction, helped by Mississippi's law that black men, whether free or slaves, were not allowed to testify as witnesses. The most interesting part of the museum were well-organized, easy to read excerpts from his diary on topics such as his business, interaction with his slaves, and politics.

Very enlightening. Enthusiastic park ranger brought these historical figures to life. Their story challenged some of my stereotypes of the master/slave relationship in the antebellum south.

Our host was a Park Ranger with a gift of gab and a wonderful informant about the life of free blacks in the antebellum and reconstruction period. He is an excellent speaker and would engage and teach children so much! I suggest a family visit for African-Americans and all Americans!

A small museum with a lot of character and information. It brought home how slaves had to claw their way to the top to succeed.

If it had not been the lady at the Visitors Center we may have missed this and it would have been our misfortune. The life and history of William Johnson the son of a plantation owner and whose mother was a slave was truly amazing. Reading his history, and touring his home was a step back in time. Don't miss this.

The history of William Johnson is important to read about. He was a free man of color who was able to make it in Natchez in a time of slavery. He is to be admired.

This was better actually going to see in person. Enjoyed the small self guided tour. Very imformative and glad I could go with my wife!