Resources for Albany's 18th and Early 19th Century Black History

A detail from "East Side of Market Street

 from Maiden Lane South" by James Eights, 

held by Albany Institute of History and Art.

The woman is thought to be Dinnah Jackson.

While we are committed to interpreting Black history as an essential part of our nation’s past, present, and future every month of the year, Black History Month is a time to acknowledge and celebrate the stories of people of African descent in our history. As an 18^th century historic site and former home of one of the largest slave-holding families in the region, Black History at Schuyler Mansion is often inextricably intertwined with the history of slavery and enslavement. Between 1765 and 1804, Schuyler Mansion was home to over sixty Black people of all ages and genders, held in bondage by the Schuylers. But as historians and activists have noted, Black US History, while fundamentally shaped by the system of chattel slavery, is not synonymous with bondage. While the scope and mission of our site emphasizes the under-told stories of the people who were enslaved here, we also invite our followers to explore the stories of these free Black residents of 18^th century Albany who helped shape our community. Over the next few weeks, we’ll also be sharing some of our old content and posting new content, so please check back for more!

Resources

South End Stories: Who was Benjamin Lattimore? 

People of Colonial Albany

Celebrating NYS Abolition of Slavery - July 5, 1827, in Albany

Eight short stories recalling the lives of African Americans buried in the Albany Rural Cemetery 

Against All Odds - Building Albany's Free Black Community in the Early 1800s

Living Black and Free in 18th and 19th Century Albany, New York

The Struggle for Education of Black Children in 19th Century Albany

From Albany to Freedom: An Underground Railroad Story

Stephen and Harriet Myers Residence: Key People