STEVE SZKOTAK
Associated Press

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Former Gov. L. Douglas Wilder’s proposal for a slave museum in a historic Richmond church has surprised the owners of the former sanctuary.

Wilder announced Thursday he was eyeing the slavery museum for the former First African Baptist Church, which is owned by Virginia Commonwealth University and VCU Medical Center.

A VCU spokeswoman said that the university did not anticipate Wilder’s announcement.

VCU senior director of public affairs Anne L. Buckley also said “no formal or informal discussions or negotiations” are underway.

Wilder said he was in “preliminary negotiations” regarding the church.

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