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Luke Perkins, Manager of Communications and Public Relations
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Originally opened at the Center for Colorado Women’s History, 12 Tablecloths has been reimagined for its run at the Trinidad History Museum to reflect the history of Trinidad and to pay homage to domestic workers of color who called the city home. 

"It’s been a true pleasure working alongside Chloé on the installation of 12 Tablecloths,” said Marggie Ferrendelli, director of the Trinidad History Museum. “The people of Trinidad may recall her time here as a resident artist at the East Street School, where she shared her talent and spirit with the community. Through her art, Chloé helps us remember that Trinidad’s history is incomplete without the stories of its Indigenous women and women of color, whose strength and resilience shaped this land. These untold stories remind us that true understanding comes from recognizing everyone who played a part in our journey, even when their contributions have been overlooked.”

As part of the reimagining of 12 Tablecloths, Duplessis and her team have pored over census records from the late 19th and early 20th centuries and identified several women who worked as domestic servants in Trinidad. Reclaiming the stories of these women is at the heart of the installation as is a newly made burlap and gingham table cloth inspired by local connections to the historic Santa Fe Trail trade route, and garments made to reflect the lived experiences of the women depicted in the installations.

“I hope the color, beauty, and intentionality of this installation causes people to pause and consider the lives of individuals whose stories have not been honored, or at times even recorded, because of who they were or how they looked,” Duplessis said. “I hope it gives visitors pause and that the next time they sit down for a meal they are grateful for not just what is in front of them but also all the people who sacrifice for the luxuries we enjoy.”

To celebrate the opening of 12 Tablecloths, the Trinidad History Museum is hosting an opening reception and artist talk on April 4 from 5 - 6:30 p.m., featuring a presentation, Q&A, and on-site fiber art demonstration led by Duplessis. This opening coincides with Trinidad’s First Friday Art Walks.

About 12 Tablecloths
Named after the upwards of twelve courses typically served in wealthy dining rooms in the late 1800s, 12 Tablecloths is envisioned as a “period room” that transports visitors back in time by transforming History Colorado spaces into multi-sensory, afro-futuristic re-imagining of a Southern dining table. The installation includes original art pieces by Duplessis and noted visual artist and ceramicist Katie McWeeney. 

Inspiration for 12 Tablecloths comes from decades of research into the history of domestic service and early American culinary traditions as well as The Whitney Institute — a plantation museum in Duplessis’ home state of Louisiana — which interprets the history and legacies of slavery. During a trip to The Whitney Institute, Duplessis was deeply saddened by the living conditions and harsh working environments experienced by the enslaved women and domestic workers who prepared food for the wealthy and resolved to share their stories.

“These women deserve to be honored,” Duplessis said. “Outside of their families, no one knew who they were and in 12 Tablecloths not only are we bringing their stories to light but we are joyfully celebrating women of color by offering the installation in their sacred spaces of service.”

12 Tablecloths’ time at the Trinidad History Museum is the next stop of the installation’s tour of History Colorado sites across the state. At each stop, Duplessis and her team will be enriching the installation with new works of art, stories, and mementos of the domestic workers of color who called the communities home.

About Chloé Duplessis
Chloé Duplessis is a legally blind artist, curator and historian committed to creating work that centers equity, accessibility and healing. In doing so, she seeks to center the importance of shared history, and erode the social constructs that oppress people of color and those navigating disability. She has earned a Bachelor's degree in Cultural Studies from The University of New Orleans, studied art and history at Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic and has over twenty years of experience in intercultural engagement, arts administration and advocacy. Duplessis has traveled to 9 countries and 24 states in support of her work and is the creator of Denver's first accessible "I VOTED" sticker and co-creator of the noted Holding Hope mural located in downtown Denver. She is also the 2023 recipient of Denver Mayor's Award for Excellence in Arts and Culture in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and the founder of Duplessis Art, an arts studio and consultancy based in Denver, Colorado.

About the Trinidad History Museum
Trinidad History Museum, a Community Museum of History Colorado, occupies a city block in historic Trinidad, Colorado. The museum is made up of the Baca House, the Bloom Mansion, the Barglow Building, the Santa Fe Trail Museum, and beautiful community-supported gardens. 

The museum is located at120 S. Chestnut St, Trinidad, and is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit www.TrinidadHistoryMuseum.org or call 719-846-7217 for more information.

Sobre el Trinidad History Museum
El Trinidad History Museum ocupa una cuadra entera en el centro histórico de Trinidad, Colorado. El museo incluye la Casa Baca, la Mansión Bloom, el Edificio Barglow, el Museo del Camino de Santa Fe, y jardines bonitos apoyados por la comunidad. El Museo de la Historia de Trinidad es un museo de History Colorado.

El museo es ubicado en 120 S. Chestnut St, Trinidad. El horario del museo es 10 a.m. a 4 p.m., martes a sábado. Para más información se puede visitar www.TrinidadHistoryMuseum.org o llamar por 719-846-7217.

About History Colorado
History Colorado is a division of the Colorado Department of Higher Education and a 501(c)3 non-profit that has served more than 75,000 students and 500,000 people in Colorado each year. It is a 146-year-old institution that operates eleven museums and historic sites, a free public research center, the Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation which provides technical assistance, educational opportunities, and other access to archaeology and historic preservation, and the History Colorado State Historical Fund (SHF), which is one of the nation’s largest state funded preservation programs of its kind. More than 70% of SHF grants are allocated in rural areas of the state. Additionally, the offices of the State Archaeologist and the State Historic Preservation Officer are part of History Colorado. 

History Colorado’s mission is to create a better future for Colorado by inspiring wonder in our past. We serve as the state’s memory, preserving and sharing the places, stories, and material culture of Colorado through educational programs, historic preservation grants, collecting, outreach to Colorado communities, the History Colorado Center and Stephen H. Hart Research Center in Denver, and 10 other museums and historic attractions statewide. History Colorado is one of only six Smithsonian Affiliates in Colorado. Visit HistoryColorado.org, or call 303-HISTORY, for more information. #HistoryColorado